The importance of context in information system design: An assessment of participatory design

被引:18
作者
Cherry C. [1 ]
Macredie R.D. [1 ,2 ]
机构
[1] Department of Information Systems and Computing, Brunel University, Uxbridge
[2] Department of Information Systems and Computing, Brunel University
关键词
Industrial democracy; Participatory design; Systems development; Work organisation;
D O I
10.1007/s007660050017
中图分类号
学科分类号
摘要
This paper is predicated on requirements analysis as the Achilles heel of information systems development, and accepts that information systems often disappoint. Most design paradigms can be located within a rationalistic framework polarised by requirements analysis and system delivery. Such traditional design paradigms are seen as palliatives that prevent us moving toward more satisfying information systems. It is argued that this rationalistic framework forces us to identify, and attempt to solve, problems that are symptomatic of the approach adopted. A pluralistic framework for information system development is presented which rejects the notions of requirements analysis and system optimality. Participatory design, derived from the field of human computer interaction, is located within this framework and identified as a possible paradigm for information system development. A case study is conducted to assess the benefits of participatory design techniques and to evaluate the extent to which participatory design can overcome the failings of traditional methodologies. © 1999 Springer-Verlag London Limited.
引用
收藏
页码:103 / 114
页数:11
相关论文
共 32 条
  • [1] Berger, S., (1980) Dualism and Discontinuity in Industrial Societies, , Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK
  • [2] DeMarco, T., (1978) Structured Analysis and System Specification, , Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ
  • [3] Jackson, M., (1983) System Development, , Prentice-Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ
  • [4] Yourdon, E., (1986) Managing the Structured Techniques, , Yourdon Press, New York
  • [5] Veryard, R., Future of information systems design methodologies (1987) Inform Software Technol, 29 (1), pp. 33-37
  • [6] (1989) Benefits of Software Engineering Methods and Tools, , PA Computers and Telecommunications
  • [7] Boehm, B.W., (1981) Software Engineering Economics, , Prentice-Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ
  • [8] Land, F.F., Hirschheim, R.A., Participative systems design: Rationale, tools and techniques (1983) J Appl Syst Anal, 10, pp. 91-107
  • [9] Avgerou, C., The applicability of software engineering to information systems development (1987) Inform Manage, 13, p. 136
  • [10] Stenning, V., Software engineering present and future (1986) Proceedings of BCS Software Engineering Specialist Group Conference on Complementary Approaches to the Software Engineering Process