Knowledge Base Repository
In addition to research papers, the Design Society is developing several valuable resources for those interested in the study of design. These include a repository of PhD theses, a library of case studies and transcripts of design activities, and an archive of our newsletters. Please note that these resources are accessible exclusively to Design Society members.
AI-Assisted Refactoring for Coupling Reduction: Integrating DSM Analysis with the Model Context Prototcol and Reinforcement Learning
Langmead, Neil; Padget, Julian
Type:
Year:
2026
Editor:
Langner, Christopher; Kreimeyer, Matthias; Panarotto, Massimo; Cascini, Gaetano; Browning, Tyson R.; Eppinger, Steven D.; Yassine, Ali A.
Author:
Series:
DSM
Institution:
University of Bath, United Kingdom
Page(s):
171-180
DOI number:
ISBN:
NA
ISSN:
NA
Abstract:
Software Architecture Erosion---The Gradual Accumulation Of Coupling And Violation Of Architectural Constraints---Remains A Persistent Challenge In Large-Scale Software Development. This Paper Presents An Ai-Assisted Approach To Architecture Management That Integrates Dependency Structure Matrix (Dsm) Analysis With Large Language Models (LLMs) Through The Model Context Protocol (Mcp). We Formalize Coupling Minimization As An Optimization Problem And Propose The Recursive Hierarchical Decoupling Algorithm (Rhda) For Systematic Coupling Reduction. Beyond Rule-Based Refactoring, We Formulate The Problem As A Constrained Markov Decision Process (Cmdp), Enabling Reinforcement Learning Agents To Discover Refactoring Sequences That Minimize Coupling While Preserving System Test Integrity. The Approach Is Validated Through A Ci/Cd Pipeline That Verifies Both Functional Correctness And Architectural Improvement. A Case Study On An Embedded Systems Library Demonstrates Practical Benefits: The AI Agent Identified Layer Violations, Explained Their Architectural Significance, And Proposed Concrete Refactoring Solutions That Reduced Coupling Metrics While Maintaining System Behavior.
Keywords:
