Modeling Beyond the V: Using Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) as a Platform for Creativity in Systems Engineering Education

Abstract

Traditionally, the educational process of systems engineering focuses on systematic methodologies, which is effective in terms of learning analytical competencies but does not encourage innovation, creativity and development of other necessary skills. As the engineering processes get more complex and require interaction between a variety of disciplines, this limitation becomes critical. This paper suggests a new approach to teaching systems engineering that combines it with the creative aspect and involves integration of systems engineering and STEAM education. Using concepts of systems engineering and design thinking as well as tools like SysML and MBSE, this paper discusses methods of using these methodologies and tools to foster classroom conceptual exploration. These methods involve modeling different architectures, exploring system behavior and incorporating non-functional requirements, including social, ethical and aesthetic ones, into the system model. The suggested instructional methods include stakeholder-centric modeling by means of use case and requirement diagrams, exploring the system functions using activity and block definition diagrams as well as validating the scenarios. Thus, by incorporating the STEAM values into the MBSE, the instructors can teach their students traditional skills of systems engineering, including requirements engineering, interfaces, lifecycle etc. and foster innovation and empathic abilities as well.