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ABSTRACT

This paper deals with what might be called the top level design of an interactive computer system. It examines some problems which arise in trying to specify what the user interface of such a system should be. It proposes a concept—the terminal state—and a notation—the terminal state transition diagram—which make the design of the top level somewhat easier. It also proposes a user interface in which the notion of terminal state is explicit. This user interface seems to provide a great improvement in flexibility and case of adding subsystems to a general purpose system.

REFERENCES

• 1: Zurcher, F. W. and Randell, B., "Multi-Level Modeling - A Methodology for Computer System Design," Proceedings of the 1968 IFIP Conference.
• 2: Parnas, D. L., and Darringer, J. A., "SODAS and a Methodology for System Design", Proceedings of the 1967 FJCC.
• 3: Parnas, D. L., "More on Simulation Languages and Design Methodology for Computer Systems," Proceedings of the 1969 SJCC (to be published).
• 4: Corbato, F. J., and Vyssotsky, V. A., "Introduction and Overview of the MULTICS System," Proceedings of the 1965 FJCC.
• 5: Robert M. Graham, Protection in an information processing utility, Communications of the ACM, v.11 n.5, p.365-369, May 1968 [doi>10.1145/363095.363146]
• 6: Bartee, et al., "Theory and Design of Digital Machines," McGraw-Hill.
• 7: Roy E. Heistand, An executive system implemented as a finite-state automaton, Communications of the ACM, v.7 n.11, p.669-677, Nov. 1964 [doi>10.1145/364984.365091]

INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  D. Software
  D.2 SOFTWARE ENGINEERING
      D.2.2 Design Tools and Techniques

Additional Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.1 MODELS AND PRINCIPLES
      H.1.2 User/Machine Systems
  H.5 INFORMATION INTERFACES AND PRESENTATION (I.7)
      H.5.2 User Interfaces (D.2.2, H.1.2, I.3.6)

General Terms:
Design, Human Factors