An integrative approach to requirements analysis: How task models support requirements reuse in a user-centric design framework

  • Authors:

  • Cyril Montabert;D. Scott McCrickard;Woodrow W. Winchester;Manuel A. Pérez-Quiñones

  • Affiliations:

  • Department of Computer Science, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA;Department of Computer Science, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA;Grado Department of Industrial and System Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA;Department of Computer Science, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA

  • Venue:
  • Interacting with Computers
  • Year:
  • 2009

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Abstract

Many software systems fail to address their intended purpose because of a lack of user involvement and requirements deficiencies. This paper discusses the elaboration of a requirements-analysis process that integrates a critical-parameter-based approach to task modeling within a user-centric design framework. On one hand, adapting task models to capture requirements bridges the gap between scenarios and critical parameters which benefits design from the standpoint of user involvement and accurate requirements. On the other hand, using task models as a reusable component leverages requirements reuse which benefits design by increasing quality while simultaneously reducing development costs and time-to-market. First, we present the establishment of both a user-centric and reuse-centric requirements process along with its implementation within an integrated design tool suite. Secondly, we report the design, procedures, and findings of two user studies aimed at assessing the feasibility for novice designers to conduct the process as well as evaluating the resulting benefits upon requirements-analysis deliverables, requirements quality, and requirements reuse.