Five Model-Based Design best practices to get you started

While this blog as a whole is dedicated to Model-Based Design, today I want to cover at a high level five basic principles for effective software development using Model-Based Design. So without further ado,⁽¹⁾ let’s dive in.

Plan to reuse your model

As this Paul Smith paper points out, Model-Based Design is predicated on the idea of reusing models for multiple development tasks. To enable this, planning at the start for reuse is required. Design interfaces to enable testing and configuring for code generation at the start of the process makes the reuse process simpler and more effective than “retrofitting” at the end.

Take the training

When using a new tool or process, consider taking a training course to become grounded in the basics. And beyond the basics, a training course gives you a chance to ask the questions specific to your project.

Define KPIs

To know if you are on the right track with your Model-Based Design process you need to define your Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Start measuring them at the start of your project and at periodic points as you learn and develop; KPI’s are your guide⁽²⁾ to a better process.

Jack of all trades… Define roles

While an overview knowledge of the Model-Based Design process is desirable to have and should be a goal for everyone on the project, an effective development process requires people in specific roles. The three most important are algorithm development, algorithm verification and algorithm release and deployment.

Allow time for learning

A final thought; allow time to learn and experiment. While there are common best practices each project has a set of unique challenges. As you adopt Model-Based Design look for those ways in which your systems can push the field forward. Please leave any observations in the comment section.

Footnotes

“Without further ado” is an interesting phrase. Ado is defined as fuss or bother; it is the nagging question that keep people from moving forward. But since the phrase says “without further ado” it implies there is always some question before you start something big. Hence the complimentary image of “jumping in feet first.”
As well as this blog.