Enhancing CMMN: Conceptual Development of a Notational Variant for Case Management Modeling

The Case Management Model and Notation (CMMN) supports the modeling of dynamic, semi-structured, and knowledge-intensive processes, but its adoption remains limited due to conceptual and visual shortcomings. Using a Design Science Research Method (DSRM), this study introduces a notational variant of CMMN, termed CMMN+, comprising three structural and visual enhancements: explicit representation of activation logic, enriched data entity modeling through semantically grounded metadata and structured role assignments based on the RACI framework. Cognitive effectiveness is analytically evaluated using the nine principles of the Physics of Notations (PoN). The analysis demonstrates clear improvements in semiotic clarity, semantic transparency and perceptual discriminability, confirming enhanced interpretability of the proposed notational variant. As expected, trade-offs arise with respect to graphic economy, while principles such as cognitive fit require subsequent empirical validation. CMMN+ constitutes a conceptually and technically grounded notational advancement in case management modeling by systematically aligning language design with cognitive-effectiveness theory. The presented results establish a strong foundation for integrating more intuitive and semantically rich modeling support into practice.