This paper investigates our understanding of design problems that are amenable to pattern-based solutions, and proposes an experimental approach to evaluate the feasibility of the solutions.

The approach postulates

a model-driven representation of design patterns consisting of triples (MP, MS, T), where MP is a model of the problem solved by the pattern, MS is a model of the solution proposed by the pattern, and T is a model transformation of an instance of the problem into an instance of the solution.

Although this was experimentally shown to be largely unattainable (for the majority of the Gang of Four patterns), the paper will be of interest to doctoral students working on formalizing the use of design patterns because it openly explores limitations of the approach and is very well researched. A related problem of detecting patterns in implementation is relevant [1], and its solution should have been taken into account.