Transforming an HCI Model to a Software Design Model

Abstract

The software engineering and human factors communities are seeking ways to integrate their methodologies. This paper outlines an amplified, software engineering methodology that extends beyond requirements gathering to encompass human factors analyses. The methodology employs an object model that is uniform throughout the software project. It involves a procedure that seamlessly transforms a task action grammar model, from HCI theory, directly into a specification model based on user/machine dialog and, thence, into a software design model. The model's object-oriented structure makes it feasible to trace the effects of the user's needs throughout the amplified project life cycle to the final code. A case study documents evidence concerning how effectively the procedure supports the software engineering process. An examination of the extent of metamorphosis the model undergoes in the case study indicates that the transition through the amplified life history is well controlled; in particular, the transition from the software specification to the design model is more controlled than that under traditional methodologies.