Integration of patterns into model-based specifications of smart environments

• Authors: Michael Zaki
• Venue: Proceedings of the 29th Annual European Conference on Cognitive Ergonomics
• Year: 2011

Motivation -- Modeling interactive systems to be employed in smart environments is an overwhelming process for the developer as several surrounding factors have to be taken into account in order to successfully model the tasks to be executed and the environmental constraints associated to those tasks. Therefore, the already existing modeling languages are usually fostered by a tool which guides the developer while constructing her models. However, a lack of concept of reuse on a high level of abstraction can be easily detected. By fetching reusable solutions for reoccurring problems within the models of a given domain, one can accelerate the process of building those models and improve its performance. Thus, the main motivation for our work is to reduce the complexity of designing interactive applications for domains like smart environments by using different kinds of patterns encapsulating best practices for well-known modeling situations. Research approach -- The investigation of one or several suitable modeling languages for smart environments in order to extract useful reusable patterns to be used by the developer. Findings/Design -- We suggested patterns which are able to guide the developer through the different development stages (e.g.: Analysis, Interaction Requirements, Design) and currently we are developing patterns in order to make the model's construction process itself easier and less error-prone. Take away message -- The modeling of interactive applications for ubiquitous computing environments (e.g. Smart environments) is a non-trivial process. We suggest overcoming the encountered complexity by taking benefit of the concept of reuse provided by patterns.