Category-Theoretic Formulation of Model-Based Systems Architecting: The Concept-Model-Graph-View-Concept Transformation Cycle

We introduce the Concept-Model-Graph-View-Concept (CMGVC) transformation cycle. The CMGVC cycle facilitates coherent architecture analysis, reasoning, insight, and decision-making based on conceptual models that are transformed into a common, robust graph data structure (GDS). The GDS is then transformed into multiple views on the model, which inform stakeholders in various ways. This GDS-based approach decouples the view from the model and constitutes a powerful enhancement of model-based systems engineering (MBSE). CMGVC applies the rigorous foundations of Category Theory, a mathematical framework of representations and transformations. The CMGVC architecture is superior to direct transformations and language-coupled common representations. We demonstrate the CMGVC cycle to transform a conceptual system architecture model built with the Object Process Modeling Language (OPM) into dual graphs and a decision support matrix (DSM) that stimulates system architecture insight.