Tailoring by integration of domain-specific components: the case of a document search tool

Authors: Wulf, V¹; Kahler, H²; Stiemerling, O³; Won, M⁴

Source: Behaviour and Information Technology, Volume 24, Number 4, July 2005 , pp. 317-333(17)

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Abstract:

In this paper we describe the evolutionary design and implementation of a search tool for files in shared workspaces used within an off-the-shelf groupware product. The design is based on the assumption that a useful generic search tool must be highly tailorable, which is achieved by applying an innovative software architecture allowing the assembly of components during runtime. In order to understand people's searching methods in shared workspaces and to support the design, we employed interviews and workshops with users as well as a field test to understand the users' needs. During the design process we developed a series of prototypes that were then evaluated by office workers. Consequently, the process described and the lessons learned extend from searching in files as a case via tailorability of software as an answer to the resulting requirements to component architecture as a way to implement this tailorability. The results derived from the treatment of these interrelated aspects constitute the core and value of this paper.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/01449290512331321875

Affiliations: 1: University of Siegen, Germany 2: International Institute for Socio Informatics, Germany 3: Ecambria Systems GmbH, Germany 4: Dept of Computer Science III, University of Bonn, Germany

Publication date: 2005-07-01

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