A Framework for Improving the Verifiability of Visual Notation Design Grounded in the Physics of Notations

Dirk Van Der Linden, Anna Zamansky, Irit Hadar

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

This paper proposes a systematic framework for applying the Physics of Notations (PoN), a theory for the design of cognitively effective visual notations. The PoN consists of nine principles, but not all principles lend themselves equally to a clear and unambiguous operationalization. As a result, many visual notations designed according to the PoN apply it in different ways. The proposed framework guides what information is required of a reported PoN application to ensure that the application of each principle is verifiable. The framework utilizes an evidence-driven design rationale model to structure information needed to assess principles requiring user involvement or cognitive theories. This approach aims to reduce ambiguity in some of the principles by making design choices explicit, and highlighting the level of evidence presented to support it. We demonstrate the proposed framework in a showcase of a recently published visual notation which has been designed with the PoN in mind.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings - 2017 IEEE 25th International Requirements Engineering Conference, RE 2017
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
Pages41-50
Number of pages10
ISBN (Electronic)9781538631911
DOIs
StatePublished - 22 Sep 2017
Event25th IEEE International Requirements Engineering Conference, RE 2017 - Lisbon, Portugal
Duration: 4 Sep 20178 Sep 2017

Publication series

NameProceedings - 2017 IEEE 25th International Requirements Engineering Conference, RE 2017

Conference

Conference25th IEEE International Requirements Engineering Conference, RE 2017
Country/TerritoryPortugal
CityLisbon
Period4/09/178/09/17

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2017 IEEE.

Keywords

  • cognitive effectiveness
  • conceptual modeling
  • design rationale
  • physics of notations
  • visual notations

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Software
  • Safety, Risk, Reliability and Quality
  • Management of Technology and Innovation

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