A framework for a domain specific interface design process

This paper outlines a framework for a domain specific design and development process. Especially the design process has not earlier been modelled and described with respect to how to perform, support and document the design decisions. The design process has earlier only been supported with cognitive theories of human computer interaction and user modelling. Design issues in the domain specific approach is identified for more efficient development of effective human-computer interfaces. The purpose of the paper is to identify the main steps of the process – information utilisation analysis, design and construction – with special emphasis on the documentation parts. The different documentations can be seen as interfaces or bridges between preceding and succeeding steps, and are to be formulated in some kind of formal or semiformal language. In our future research, it is our intention to go on with the formulation of these languages. The paper also describes our development process in comparison with development using traditional UIMS, with the purpose of emphasising the benefits; cost and time savings, increased user participation and increased modularity. 1. OBJECTIVES OF THIS PAPER Ongoing research at CMD has, among other things, been dealing with methods for design and construction of human-computer interfaces in professional settings. Research activities have covered areas such as task analysis, information analysis, design methodology, domain specific design, specification of new interface elements, construction tools etc. When the different steps, and the methods and tools connected to each of these steps, now are to be integrated this leads to new requirements concerning their co-ordination. This paper tries to formulate a framework for the total design process. Of special importance is the specification of the bridges between the different steps, and the definition of languages for documentation of the result from each step. In such a language it must be possible to specify the result from one step in a form that is interpretable by the next step. The framework specified in this paper is mainly intended to form a common basis for future research at CMD.