ConMod: a system for conceptual consistency verification and communication

ABSTRACT

The ConMod system is a modelling tool for the construction, verification, and communication of user conceptual models. A basic premise behind the research is that consistency at the syntactic and lexical levels cannot counteract conceptual inconsistencies designed into a system, and a working definition of conceptual consistency is maintained in a user-extensible knowledge base. The system designer has the option to test the model for completeness and conceptual consistency based upon high-level knowledge of the types of objects in the model. ConMod also generates conceptual specifications for discussing the model with end users and prototyping and implementation teams. Finally, ConMod allows the conceptual structure of one model to be reused in a different model.

REFERENCES

• 1: Robert Eric Braudes, A framework for conceptual consistency verification, George Washington University, Washington, DC, 1990
• 2: {FOLE87} Foley, J., "Models and Tools for Designers of User-Computer Interfaces," Report GWU-IIST-87-03, Department of EE&CS, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, 1987, 30 pages.
• 3: James D. Foley , Andries van Dam , Steven K. Feiner , John F. Hughes, Computer graphics: principles and practice (2nd ed.), Addison-Wesley Longman Publishing Co., Inc., Boston, MA, 1990
• 4: Donald A. Norman, Stages and levels in human-machine interaction, International Journal of Man-Machine Studies, v.21 n.4, p.365-375, Oct. 1984 [doi>10.1016/S0020-7373(84)80054-1]
• 5: Donald A. Norman , Stephen W. Draper, User Centered System Design; New Perspectives on Human-Computer Interaction, Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Inc., Mahwah, NJ, 1986
• 6: Jim Rhyne , Roger Ehrich , John Bennett , Tom Hewett , John Sibert , Terry Bleser, Tools and methodology for user interface development, ACM SIGGRAPH Computer Graphics, v.21 n.2, p.78-87, April 1987 [doi>10.1145/24919.24921]
• 7: Richard Rubinstein , Harry Hersh, Human Factor: Designing Computer Systems for People, Butterworth-Heinemann, Newton, MA, 1990
• 8: Ben Shneiderman, Designing the user interface: strategies for effective human-computer interaction, Addison-Wesley Longman Publishing Co., Inc., Boston, MA, 1986

INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  K. Computing Milieux
  K.6 MANAGEMENT OF COMPUTING AND INFORMATION SYSTEMS
      K.6.1 Project and People Management
          Subjects: Systems analysis and design

Additional Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.1 MODELS AND PRINCIPLES
  H.5 INFORMATION INTERFACES AND PRESENTATION (I.7)

General Terms:
Design, Human Factors, Performance, Reliability, Theory, Verification