Concept Modelling

Definition

Concept Modelling is a technique used to identify, define, and relate the key business concepts within a domain. It focuses on what things mean to the business rather than how systems store or process them. A concept model visually represents business concepts, their definitions, and the relationships between them — providing a shared foundation that reduces ambiguity before requirements are elaborated.

Inputs

• Business objectives and domain documentation
• Outputs from stakeholder interviews and workshops
• Existing glossaries, data dictionaries, or prior models
• Requirements under analysis that surface domain terminology

Outputs

• A concept model diagram with business concepts as nodes and relationships as connections
• Agreed business definitions for each concept
• Inputs to data models, requirements, and system design
• Improved stakeholder alignment on terminology and meaning

When to Use

• Working in complex or unfamiliar domains where terminology is inconsistent or overloaded
• Multiple systems share common data and a shared vocabulary is required
• Starting large or enterprise-level initiatives before detailed requirements
• When stakeholder misalignment on basic terms is slowing elicitation

When Not to Use

• When the domain is simple and well understood by all stakeholders
• When terminology is already standardized, stable, and agreed
• When detailed data models already exist and have been validated