Modelling heterogeneity in multi agent systems

The aim of this paper is to consider the issue of heterogeneity in modelling complex systems through a multi agent perspective. Complex systems are often characterized by a high degree of heterogeneity of the involved components and by their natural aggregation in communities representing different views of the same system. These communities are autonomous and heterogeneous, in turn, since different views of a same system usually imply different types of components and relations among them. Since the interaction among the identified system components is often influenced by the spatial relationships among them, the model has to consider heterogenous components situated in dedicated heterogenous spaces, i.e. showing different topological structures. The paper discusses heterogeneity by presenting the Multilayered Multi Agent Situated System model (MMASS). The approach will be illustrated with an example in the framework of Computer Supported Cooperative Work, specifically for the design of a technology promoting awareness in cooperation1.