Model-Based Design (MBD) is a mathematical and visual method of addressing problems associated with designing complex control, signal processing and communication systems. It is used in many motion control, industrial equipment, aerospace, and automotive applications. Model-based design is a methodology applied in designing embedded software.
Model-Based Design begins simply by visually modeling your control system and simulating it on the desktop. During run-time graphs often display the reaction time series signals
It is hard to imagine that MBD can be done without a graphical interface.
Yes you can use a textual representation also, although it will be more interesting to include pictorial graphics.
Also see this paper may be interesting
Discrete cogeneration optimization with storage capacity decision support for dynamic hybrid solar combined heat and power systems in isolated rural villages
Yes, you can see this reference on Model based design of a novel Stirling solar micro-cogeneration system with performance and fuel transition analysis for rural African village locations