This paper introduces the model-based software development methodology SMA—the Smyle Modeling Approach—which is centered around Smyle, a dedicated learning procedure to support engineers to interactively obtain design models from requirements, characterized as either being desired (positive) or unwanted (negative) system behavior. The learning approach is complemented by scenario patterns where the engineer can specify clearly desired or unwanted behavior. This way, user interaction is reduced to the interesting scenarios limiting the design effort considerably. In SMA, the learning phase is complemented by an effective analysis phase that allows for detecting design flaws at an early design stage. This paper describes the approach and reports on first practical experiences.