An Automatic Layout Approach for iStar Models

The comprehensive syntax of iStar modeling language allows requirements analysts to clearly capture stakeholder’s needs, as well as dependencies among stakeholders. However, such iStar models cannot be automatically laid out using typical layout algorithms, such as hierarchical layout and circular layout. Thus, constructing and adjusting iStar models are laborious tasks, especially when dealing with large-scale models. In this paper, we propose a tentative approach to automatically lay out iStar models using a force-based layout algorithm. In particular, our approach has been designed by taking into account the syntax of iStar models in order to ensure both neatness and understandability of resulting models.