Merge pull request #264 from gaphor/gaphor-3.0

Add post for Gaphor 3.0 release

_posts/2025-01-26-gaphor-3.0.md

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+---
+title: Gaphor 3.0 - A Major Milestone
+author: Arjan Molenaar
+image_url: /images/gaphor-3.0/bg.jpg
+image_background: #f0f0f0
+image_attribution: https://www.flickr.com/photos/goldtoe/305519757/
+lang: en
+---
+
+Gaphor 3.0 has officially been released, marking an exciting new chapter for this modeling tool. This update brings
+significant enhancements, particularly in the user interface and the modularity of supported modeling languages.
+
+For a complete overview of all changes, you can check out the
+[changelog](https://github.com/gaphor/gaphor/blob/main/CHANGELOG.md) or visit the
+[Gaphor Release](https://github.com/gaphor/gaphor/releases) page.
+
+<!--break-->
+
+As always, this release makes use of the latest versions of [GTK 4](https://gtk.org) and
+[libadwaita](https://gnome.pages.gitlab.gnome.org/libadwaita).
+
+## User Interface Improvements
+
+This release features a redesigned user interface inspired by feedback from a research paper published by the University
+of Mannheim. The paper, titled
+[MBSE tooling for neurodivergent system architects
+(German)](https://madoc.bib.uni-mannheim.de/66242/1/Benutzeroberfl%C3%A4chen%20von%20MBSE-Tools%20und%20deren%20Auswirkung%20auf%20neurodivergente%20Systemarchitekten.pdf),
+used Gaphor as a case study. By collaborating with the authors, the Gaphor team applied these insights to make the
+application simpler and more intuitive.
+
+Key UI enhancements include:
+
+* Streamlined Header Bar Layout: Improved organization for easier navigation.
+* Global Settings: Settings that were previously model-specific are now accessible as application-wide configurations.
+* New Diagram Quick Toolbar: Provides rapid access to common operations.
+* Enhanced Model Browser: Double-clicking a model element now highlights it in the diagram rather than adding it redundantly.
+
+Many thanks to [Mareike Keil](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mareike-keil-7600b4226/) from the University of Mannheim for
+her invaluable insights and contributions.
+
+![The improved user interface with tool bar](/images/gaphor-3.0/new-ui.png)
+
+## Modeling language Advancements
+Historically, Gaphor’s primary focus has been on UML, which served as the foundation for extensions like SysML (v1) and
+RAAML. However, the development of SysML v2 introduced new challenges. Unlike its predecessor, SysML v2 is not based on
+UML, prompting the need for a fresh approach.
+
+Initially, the team attempted to create a shared foundation for UML and SysML. However, this approach resulted in
+fragmenting the UML model and added complexity. Recognizing the need for flexibility, Gaphor’s core was restructured to
+be modeling language agnostic. This transformation enables the implementation of diverse modeling languages, including
+SysML v2, ontology models, and ER diagrams, without relying on UML as a base.
+
+A huge shoutout to [Paul C. Brown](https://github.com/pbrown12303) for his guidance and support in making this shift
+possible.