Common Forces

Modeling constructs should not get in the way of the modeling process. They should be as nearly intuitive as possible, easy to use for the modeler, and easy to understand for the reader. But the selection of constructs shapes the way you can know the problem and the possibilities for solutions(transparency).

The map is not the territory. But meaning happens in context and requires semantic consistency between the map and the territory (external consistency).

Symbols are expressions of model elements. Model elements are categorized by the UML into coherent semantic domains (for example, Static and Dynamic). Symbol combinations need to respect these semantic divisions. At the same time, modeling is a creative exercise, and the UML's categories and distinctions may need adjustment (internal coherence).

The language of design needs to be standard and adaptable at the same time; local dialects materialize inevitably as a result of gaps between established standards and the immediate needs of a design effort(dialectical materialism).

80 percent of the utility of a modeling language comes from 20 percent of the constructs; however, the constructs that fall within the most useful 20 percent vary from development effort to development effort (the 80/20 rule)