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Experience with user-centred requirements engineering

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Abstract

This paper describes the application of human–computer interaction (HCI) principles and methods to requirements engineering in a case study development of a visualisation tool, ADVISES, to support epidemiological research. The development approach consisted of scenario-based design and analysis of the users’ tasks and mental model of the domain. Prototyping and storyboarding techniques were used to explore design options with users as well as specifying functionality for two versions of the software to meet the needs of novice and expert users. Application of HCI functional allocation heuristics to guide system requirements decisions is explained. An evaluation of the prototype was carried out to assess the extent to which the expert model would support public health professionals in their analysis activities. The results of the design exploration requirements analysis study are reported. The implications of scenario-based design exploration, functional allocation and software architecture are discussed.

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Acknowledgments

This research was funded by the EPSRC e-Science Usability Programme grant ADVISES: ADaptive VISualisation tools for E-Science collaboration. The authors would like to thank Iain Buchan and PCT users for their help in the requirements analysis.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Manchester Business School, University of Manchester, Booth Street East, Manchester, M15 6PB, UK

    Alistair Sutcliffe

  2. Northwest Institute for Bio-Health Informatics (NIBHI), School of Medicine, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK

    Sarah Thew & Paul Jarvis

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  1. Alistair Sutcliffe
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  2. Sarah Thew
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  3. Paul Jarvis
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Correspondence to Alistair Sutcliffe.

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Sutcliffe, A., Thew, S. & Jarvis, P. Experience with user-centred requirements engineering. Requirements Eng 16, 267–280 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00766-011-0118-z

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