Learning and Using Requirements Representation Notations by Information Technology Professionals A Thesis

Learning and Using Requirements Representation Notations by Information Technology Professionals Ralph Rillman Miller III Michael Atwood, PhD This dissertation describes a unified system modeling approach and notation that accommodates the user view and a pilot study of the ability of information technology (IT) professionals to learn and use requirements notations to represent user interface requirements. The study mapped a non-user view requirements notation into a user-view requirements notation. In so doing, it showed that the issues and concerns of nontechnical users could be integrated into the overall requirements for a system. The work consisted of three related parts. 1. A non user view specific notation was shown to be consistent with a user view specific notation. 2. Experienced IT practitioners defined the user interface requirements for a simple device using one of three notations. 3. Domain experts reviewed the group’s products to determine errors and overall quality. The results of the pilot study suggest that the three notations studied are capable of representing the user’s view of requirements for a system. The pilot study was unique in its use of information technology professionals as subjects (volunteers) in the study.