R-x : Validating Linguistically-based Conceptual Models

This paper discusses a requirements engineerings method that makes heavy use of linguistic instruments. The paper focuses on the validation phase in which syntactically veriied conceptual models are checked for their correspondence with the original intentions of the users. It is quite clear that the users themselves are the only ones who are capable of doing so. However, the users have severe problems reading and understanding the conceptual models created by software analysts. Therefore, two validation techniques have been incorporated in the requirements engineerings method, that transform the models in formats that are understandable for the users. The rst technique transforms the meaning of the models into natural language sentences which are fully comprehensible for the users. The latter validation technique transforms the conceptual models in executable simulation programs, with which the users can experiment in order to check whether the system prototype's behaviour corresponds with the intended one. The users' critical evaluation of both validation results are included in a next version of the requirements speciication, which has to be validated again.