Cognitive evaluation of system representation diagrams

We evaluate diagramming techniques for systems analysts and programmers from a cognitive perspective. This focuses on how people process information from system diagrams and how diagrams support the cognitive limitations of systems analysts and programmers. The paper increases awareness of the analyst's need for different information views during the systems development process and provides steps for improving the comprehension and communication of diagrammatic information. The examples provide ways to develop better diagrams given current tools for their development. We hope that future diagramming tools will reflect the cognitive limitations of the analyst by actively highlighting and dynamically governing the flow of graphic information across multiple information processing views.

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