William J. Giraldo

CIAT-GUI: A MDE-compliant environment for developing Graphical User Interfaces of information systems

The development and specification of interactive systems is a complex process. The use of notations, methods and their respective technological support is necessary for obtaining user interfaces in a purely engineering manner and not in a manner of craftsmanship, as has been the case thus far. In the field of Software Engineering, an interest is currently being taken in the Model-Driven Development (MDD) paradigm. MDD permits simplification and automation in the process of software development by defining models and transformations of those models. This paradigm can be successfully applied to the problem of obtaining Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs) from declarative models (Model-Based User Interface Development; MBUID). With the aim of solving the issue of obtaining a GUI by following a model-driven process, we propose a method, and a tool that implements that method called CIAT-GUI. In developing this tool we have made use of relevant technologies in the field of MDD such as EMF, GMF, ATL and MofScript. This proposed method, in contrast to other proposals existing in the literature, allows the visualization and modification of intermediate prototypes of the GUI and permits an executable GUI (in XAML language) to be obtained. Finally, an initial study was conducted with the aim of verifying the suitability of this approach and of the implemented tool, as well as assessing the perception of software engineers regarding its usefulness.

Metamodel-driven definition of a visual modeling language for specifying interactive groupware applications: An empirical study

This work is framed in the area of software development for Computer Supported Cooperative Work (CSCW). These software systems are called groupware systems. The development of groupware systems is a complex task, a problem that can be addressed applying the Model Driven Engineering (MDE) principles and techniques, where the use of models is essential. However, there are no proposals to address all issues to model in this kind of application (group work, shared context, coordination, etc.) and, in particular, there are no proposals that consider the modeling of both interactive and collaborative issues. To solve this deficiency, a domain-specific language (DSL) called Collaborative Interactive Application Notation (CIAN) has been proposed. To define this DSL a metamodel has been created describing the universe of discourse of the applications supporting interactive group work. We have defined the syntax and semantics of this language. We have also implemented a tool (called CIAT) for supporting the edition and validation of models created with CIAN. This tool has been implemented using the metamodeling facilities provided by the Eclipse platform. Finally, an empirical study was conducted with the aim of verifying the suitability of this approach and the perception of software engineers about its usefulness. The results obtained show that our proposal can facilitate the development process of groupware systems.

CIAT, A Model-Based Tool for Designing Groupware User Interfaces Using CIAM

In this chapter, we introduce CIAT (Collaborative Interactive Applications Tool), a software tool based on models supporting designers and engineers to create models based on CIAN notation. This software tool supports the interface design of groupware applications that enable integration with software processes through UML notation. We introduce our methodological approach for dealing with the conceptual design of applications that support work in groups, called CIAM. A study case using the Congress Management System is presented in order to describe our Model.

A Model Based Approach for GUI Development in Groupware Systems

This paper proposes a methodological approach for Model Based User Interface Development of Collaborative Applications. This proposal is based on the use of several models for representing collaborative and interactive issues. Therefore, several techniques and notations are used. We describe the integration process of two notations: CIAN, which involves collaboration and human-computer interaction aspects; and UML, which specifies groupware systems functionality. In addition, we describe how this model is integrated into the Software Engineering Process. Both integration processes are developed by using software tools like CIAT and EPFC.

Activity Taxonomy: Analysis of Proposals for Development of Interactive Systems

In developing an interactive system, the part of the design corresponding to the specification of the functionality is commonly directed by the requirements. The specifications of these requirements are based on templates that classify activity in a way that in most cases, developers are not conscious and therefore do not understand how wrong classification due to methodological weaknesses, affects the understanding that has the user in relation with the system he is using. An ideal situation is that the developer fully understands what the impact of wrong classification and helps him to recognize the limits to define a scope for usability, safety or any other aspect. Our proposal is to define an activity classification model and make explicit the need for it to serve as a framework to promote software quality mainly it has to do with the Human Computer Interaction (HCI).

Using CIAN for Specifying Collaborative Scripts in Learning Design

The standardization of eLearning environments and the design of collaboration scripts are two research areas that are acquiring a greater attention within the Computer Supported Collaborative Learning (CSCL) community. IMS Learning Design (IMS-LD) is the specification used to describe instructional strategies. In this paper we analyse the suitability and lacks of IMS-LD for modelling collaborative learning processes. Based on this result, we propose a reference model inside the IMS specifications core and the use of a graphical notation called CIAN (Collaborative Interactive Applications Notation) as CSCL scripting language. Using these specifications of a high level of abstraction and mappable to a computer-interpretable notation such as IMS-LD, allows hiding the particularities of the standard to instructional designers.

A proposal of integration of the GUI development of groupware applications into the software development process

In the last years the production of systems supporting work-in-group has been high. However, the design and development of this kind of systems is difficult, especially due to the multidisciplinarity involved and technical complexity (concurrence, distribution, data sharing, user interface, etc.). We propose a design and development process of the user interface in this kind of applications. This process is based on the use of several models for representing collaborative and interactive issues. In this process several techniques and notations are used. In this paper we introduce our methodological approach and describe how it is integrated into the Software Engineering Process.

Modelling language quality evaluation in model-driven information systems engineering: A roadmap

[Context and motivation] The Model-Driven Engineering (MDE) paradigm remains an active niche in information systems engineering and research. Given their primary role, assuring the quality of models and modelling languages is crucial. In a previous literature review, we have confirmed that there exist different conceptions on model and modelling language quality. [Question/problem] Also, many approaches tackle a narrow perspective and practitioners often feel that such practices burden them with extra effort. A wider overview of the field is needed, taking into account the constraining and pressing conditions of industrial practice. [Principal ideas/results] This paper recalls the essence of, current trends and pitfalls of modelling language quality evaluation within MDE. Some of the current unsolved issues are related to a growing system complexity, evaluating the quality of a complementary set of languages, the need to bring model transformations in the picture, etc. [Contribution] Through this evaluation work, we define a research agenda that reveals the main challenges in modelling language quality evaluation in the context of MDE.

Classification of CSCW proposals based on a taxonomy

In this paper we propose a conceptual framework for the design the groupware user interface. It supports the interface design enabling integration with software development processes through UML notation. We studied relevant proposals in the domain of CSCW and HCI. Taxonomy is defined in order to classify concepts from those proposals. Finally, the taxonomy is populated for defining main concepts of the conceptual framework.

Integrating Groupware Notations with UML

In this paper we introduce a notation integration proposal. This proposal supports the user interface design of groupware applications enabling integration with software processes through UML notation. We introduce our methodological approach to deal with the conceptual design of applications for supporting group work, called CIAM. A study case (the design of a Conference Resiew System) is presented to describe our proposal. The integration process proposed is supported by a software tool called CIAT.