Elizabeth A. Kemp

Extending UML use case modelling to support graphical user interface design

UML supports the construction of several views of a software system. The paper reviews use case modelling in UML from the viewpoint of its suitability as input to the early stages of graphical user interface design. Three use case representations are compared, and an extended tabular representation is proposed which assists with the identification of user interface elements. This is presented via a case study, and within the framework of the unified development process.

Focussing on a standard pattern form: the development and evaluation of MUIP

A framework for the tool, MUIP (Management of User Interface Patterns), has been developed based on the relevant literature and a survey of existing pattern tools. The framework supports the following features: pattern authoring, manipulating forces, browsing patterns, searching patterns, versioning and customising patterns, relating patterns, manipulating collections and importing or exporting patterns. Patterns are described using the standard pattern form (PLML). An enhanced version of PLML, called PLML vl.2, has been developed so that pattern contents can be organised more effectively. Guided by this framework, a specification of a comprehensive pattern management system for manipulating dissimilar pattern collections was developed and a prototype implemented accordingly. A formal evaluation confirmed the usefulness of the prototype.

An application of SSM in the on‐farm labour situation in the New Zealand dairy industry

The on-farm labour situation is a matter of concern to the New Zealand dairy industry. Structural and demographic changes in the industry have contributed to a situation in which employers are unable to attract or retain the number and type of employees they seek. Perceptions of the issue, the nature and extent of the problem, and the likely means to address it vary among the people involved. Although used to a limited extent in New Zealand, soft systems methodology (SSM) was developed to deal with complex problem situations that are ill structured and defined differently by people in the situation. SSM was used in the on-farm labour situation in the dairy industry to structure the problem situation and to provide a number of relevant systems models for an industry group to debate and learn about the situation. This paper reports on the process and outcomes of the inquiry to date. Copyright

Interface evaluation for invisibility and ubiquity: an example from e-learning

This paper reports on the development of a framework for the heuristic evaluation of the interface to a learning appliance, that is a teaching system where students can study the course content without thinking about the technology. It has been argued that in systems of this kind the emphasis should be on invisibility, usability, universality and usefulness. A set of heuristics was generated based on those for evaluating web and ubiquitous systems but tailored to the requirements of a learning appliance. These heuristics were used to evaluate IMMEDIATE (Integrating MulitMEdia in a DIstAnce learning and TEaching environment), a teaching system intended to address the digital divide in education by providing a specialised, easy-to-use, e-learning environment for the PC. The results indicated that whilst IMMEDIATE supports the appropriate functionality, some improvements can be made to enhance the learning experience.

From electronic textbook to multidimensional learning environment: overcoming the loneliness of the distance learner

Traditional textbook-centred distance education has been criticised for providing a one dimensional and isolated learning experience for the remote student. Computer-based distance learning is promoted as a more interactive and collaborative alternative. However, web-based systems have yet to realise their potential for overcoming the isolation of the student, in part because of their heavy reliance on the text book approach. This paper reviews existing computer-based learning systems from the perspective of the student user, and proposes some guidelines for improving their effectiveness as collaborative and interactive distance learning environments.

Introducing students to UI patterns

User interface (UI) patterns have the potential to assist students of Human Computer Interaction (HCI) to learn about the principles of design. They can be used to guide students developing a conceptual model of an interface. We investigated how HCI students used a method for developing UI-pattern models and ascertained their views on different pattern forms (illustrated and narrative-only). Data was collected by observation, questionnaires and completed exercises. The findings indicate that students found UI patterns an acceptable medium for presenting UI information, were positive about their experience building UI-pattern models, and that patterns aided communication.

Knowledge representation for the intelligent legal case retrieval

In this paper, we develop a knowledge representation model for the intelligent retrieval of legal cases, which provides effective legal case management. Examples are taken from the domain of accident compensation. A new set of sub-elements for legal case representation has been developed to extend the traditional representation elements of issues and factors. In our model, an issue may need to be further decomposed into sub-issues, and factors are categorized into pro-claimant, pro-responder and neutral factors. These extensions can effectively reveal the factual relevance between legal cases. Based on the knowledge representation model, we propose the IPN algorithm for intelligent legal case retrieval. Experiments and statistical analysis have been conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed representation model and the IPN algorithm.

A resource support toolkit (R-IDE): supporting the DECIDE framework

A central activity involved in the user-centred design process is usability evaluation. Cost-effective evaluation tools to fully support usability evaluations however, are still limited. The aim of this work is to introduce a web-based, resource-supported, interactive evaluation toolkit called R-IDE, which guides evaluation planners through the various activities involved in planning and conducting usability evaluations. The IDE stages of the DECIDE framework provide the basis for the design of this toolkit, which currently supports two evaluation methods: heuristic evaluation for websites and standard questionnaires. This paper describes the design, development, evaluation and future potential of this toolkit.

A Knowledge Representation Model for the Intelligent Retrieval of Legal Cases

In this paper, we develop a knowledge representation model for the innovative intelligent retrieval of legal cases, which provides effective legal case management. Examples are taken from the domain of accident compensation. A new set of sub-elements for legal case representation (sub-issues, pro-claimant, pro-respondent and contextual features) has been developed to extend the traditional representation elements of issues and factors. In our representation model, an issue may need to be further decomposed into sub-issues; factors are categorised into pro-claimant and pro-respondent factors; and contextual features are also introduced to help retrieval. These extensions can effectively reveal the factual relevance between legal cases. Based on the knowledge representation model, we propose the IPF scheme for intelligent legal case retrieval. Experiment and statistical analysis have been conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed representation model and retrieval scheme.

Supporting Group Learning Using a Digital Whiteboard

Three important ways in which student learning can be facilitated are: getting them to work in groups, ensuring they can communicate face-to-face, and by using a computer. The question arises, can we do all three at the same time? One answer is to use a digital whiteboard. This device allows a group of users to share a workspace in an orderly fashion, and the computer driving the board can be programmed to support the students’ learning. We describe some of our research where we have observed groups using whiteboards (both digital and non-digital) and our work towards producing a computer system to help and guide learners in this kind of setting.