We frequently receive inquiries about the problem statement for the World Championships of Systems Architecture & Modeling competition. Now that the 2024 competition, held in Cleveland, OH as part of #Integrate24, is complete, I would like to share some insights into this year’s challenge, which our competitors had to respond to in only 7 hours.
Drawing inspiration from the local area, this year’s problem was inspired by Cedar Point Amusement Park in Sandusky, OH. Competitors were tasked with a scenario involving a fictional amusement park, Juniper Cove, which decided to demolish an old wooden roller coaster named Old Glory due to safety and vibration concerns. The challenge was to specify, design, and develop a project plan for a replacement attraction using the MBSE tool, method, and language of their choice, focusing on systems architecture.
The problem statement included background information about the amusement park, a Statement of Work (SOW) for the competitors’ fictional engineering firms, and references on standard amusement park rides. A unique aspect of this year’s competition was that we did not specify the type of entertainment experience to design. Instead, we provided fictional market analysis data from 75 potential customers. Competitors had to develop a methodology to review, analyze, and derive attraction type and theme requirements from this data.
The competition was divided into two phases:
1) Blue Sky Phase: Competitors distilled the provided documents and market analysis data to pitch their proposed ride type and theme to the judges.
2) Feasibility Phase: Competitors refined their ride type and theme into a conceptual design and high-level project plan.
Additionally, we introduced a “twist” midway through the competition: Juniper Cove Amusement Park’s leadership team signed a partnership and marketing agreement with Regurgitated Concepts Studios for their upcoming summer blockbuster movie, “Captain Walrus: Clash of the Ice Titans.” For bonus points, teams could incorporate the Captain Walrus brand and theme into their system design.
Does this sound intense? It’s meant to be! This competition tests not only advanced modeling skills but also the ability to generate inventive solutions under time pressure and effectively communicate results to diverse stakeholders. It is a true test of tool and modeling methodology mastery, systems thinking, innovation, creativity, communication skills, and the ability to thrive under pressure.
Stay tuned for more information about the 2025 competition!
#Integrate24 #MBSEWorldChampionships #forthedoers
