Modeling makes it easier to understand reality and facilitates the sharing of this understanding. This is done through the use of dedicated notations that include models and graphic representations.
Models for understanding
Any reality is complex and cannot easily be grasped as a whole. In order to be understood, managed and modified, reality must be reduced to an object.
However, passing from complexity to such an object implies a conscious choice of what needs to be included, managed and, possibly, modified. This means that the object will depend on the perspective. By multiplying the perspectives, the effects of oversimplification can be minimized.
Each of the adopted perspectives produces a model, and it is from the study of these multiple models, assimilated then set aside, that understanding emerges.
Models for communicating
Models are also designed to facilitate the sharing of this understanding. As communication tools, models use a common language.
This requires the definition of the concepts to be used (the "metamodel") and their construction rules.
Models for action
Modeling is used as a tool to understand reality and drive change.
The intention of the action dictates the choice of model. It is therefore useful to separate what the action relates to from its result, so as to be able to react when the conditions governing the action change.
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