Publications & Writings

2007

Advanced Design Patterns: Enabling Designers of Complex Systems

Conrad, K., Stanard, T. (2007). Advanced Design Patterns: Enabling Designers of Complex Systems. In the Proceedings of the 2007 International Conference on Software Engineering Research and Practice (SERP). June, 25-28, 2007, Las Vegas, NV, USA.

Abstract - Traditional software system design focuses on the needs of the system and creates a need for users and customers to understand the system in order to use the products. This creates usability problems. Fortunately, designers and developers have steadily realized the benefits of addressing the user and customer needs. This change in mindset gives rise to design methodologies that focus more on user needs and goals. Despite the advances in design methodologies, most of them fall short of helping designers and developers move from analysis to the design of the graphical interface. Emerging design patterns and advanced design patterns are helping bridge this gap between analysis and interface design.

2006

Using Work-Centered Specifications to Integrate Cognitive Requirements Into Software Development

Wampler, J., Roth, E., Whitaker, R., Conrad, K., Stilson, M., Thomas-Meyers, G., Scott, R. (2006). Using Work-Centered Specifications to Integrate Cognitive Requirements Into Software Development. Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES) 50th Annual Meeting. Oct. 16-20, 2006, San Francisco, CA, USA.

Abstract - As Cognitive Engineering (CE) becomes mainstream, methods are needed to better integrate the unique cognitive requirements of the target users of a Human Computer Interface (HCI) into software development requirements and testing. This paper discusses a preliminary work-centered specification describing the key cognitive HCI elements of a complex work system that enhance situation awareness (SA) and decision making. The specification provides traceability from the cognitive requirements obtained during knowledge acquisition to specific display elements in the final design. This specification approach can be applied to any CE methodology. We are applying it to a working prototype currently being integrated into an operational system. We have elicited feedback from developers of the operational system regarding the content and usefulness of the specification as it applies to their software development processes. This paper highlights critical aspects of our inaugural work-centered specification.

Practical Technologies for Implementing Distributed Applications as Evolvable Software Systems (ESS)

Conrad, K.O., Schmidt, V.A. (2006). Practical Technologies for Implementing Distributed Applications as Evolvable Software Systems (ESS). Proceedings of the 2006 International Conference on Software Engineering Research and Practice (SERP). June 26-29, 2006, Las Vegas, NV, USA.

Abstract - The Evolvable Software Systems (ESS) concept allows software to keep up with the changing requirements in work and reduces costs associated with upgrading software. Many technologies exist that can be used to create ESS-based enterprise software, and selecting the appropriate technologies can be difficult. We propose a classification scheme intended to divide software technologies into categories that support certain aspects of ESS. Representative technologies are surveyed to determine their strengths and weaknesses with respect to supporting ESS.

HCI Design Patterns for C2: A Vision for a DoD Design Reference Library

Stanard, T., Wampler, J., Conrad, K., Osga, G. (2006). HCI Design Patterns for C2: A Vision for a DoD Design Reference Library. 2006 CCRTS The State of the Art and the State of the Practice. May 15-17, Las Vegas, USA.

Abstract - Command and Control (C2) operators require well designed human computer interfaces (HCI) to effectively perform cognitive work. However, a methodology for transforming a requirements analysis into a useful HCI design is lacking. HCI Design Patterns (HCI DP) may help bridge this "design gap." A set of reusable patterns known to support work functions could reduce the cost and risk associated with the design of future systems. HCI DP are an offshoot of architectural design patterns, used to catalog architectural solutions for recurring architectural design problems. Libraries of HCI DP are viewable online, but they commonly assist user interactions with generic system functions rather than actual C2 work activities. The Air Force and Navy are identifying HCI DP to assist the cognitive and collaborative work of C2 operations. Objectives include 1) Reverse engineering existing HCI designs and indexing them via cognitive work functions, 2) Developing a HCI prototyping environment embedding design patterns and indexing systems. A DOD-wide HCI DP library could promote a new set of HCI standards across the services. Future designs using a common set of patterns will promote interoperability between operators in different armed services collaborating on joint missions.

2005

Progressive Software Systems: Dynamic Software for a Dynamic Workplace

Conrad, K.O., Schmidt, V.A. (2005). Progressive Software Systems: Dynamic Software for a Dynamic Workplace. Proceedings of the Ninth IASTED International Conference SEA, Nov. 14-16, 2005, Phoenix, AZ, USA.

Abstract - Valuable time and money are spent developing software systems. Once a system is fielded, the operational and work requirements frequently require additional software changes over the life of the system, which increases system cost and can cause unexpected delays. This paper defines and surveys the progressive software system (PSS), an instance of what is commonly referred to as an evolvable software system (ESS). We describe the fundamental characteristics of the PSS and conclude with a discussion of PSS advantages, disadvantages, and usage tradeoffs.