Gathering user needs for knowledge management applications for engineers in advanced manufacturing industries

Knowledge management is crucial in engineering tasks in advanced manufacturing industries. Human-centred design of knowledge management applications requires a profound insight into the tasks of engineers and their need for support. In this paper we describe the iterative approach of the modelling of user tasks and needs and defining functional specifications, using a mix of methods such as Use Case diagrams and descriptions. The construction of models appeared important in the communication between engineering experts, human factors specialists and computer scientists. By this communicative and iterative approach user needs have emerged, allowing the definition of user requirements and to propose functionalities. Creating demonstrators and defining criteria for success, brought further understanding of the support needed by engineers.