Enabling Metaphor Evolution for Improving Systems' Usability
Roland Kaschek, Alexei Tretiakov · Journal of Digital Information Management · 2006
ABSTRACT: In this paper we consider both the interfacelanguage and domain language of a software system.That system co-evolves with its user group, with its usagecontext, application domain, and usage conditions. Wepresuppose that the evolution of that system is triggeredby and reflected in the use of those languages. Sincehuman language use is essentially metaphorical we expectthe metaphors employed by system users to evolve whenthe software system evolves. To assure maximum usabilityof that system we suggest using a signal interception andpattern substitution component for implementing acontrolled change of the metaphors that are available inthe mentioned languages. We show how our prototype ofsuch a component can be used for implementing theevolution of the used metaphors. Our approach focuseson the maintainability of the metaphors rather than on aonce-and-for-all method for optimally choosing them. Categories and Subject Descriptors C.0 [Computer Systems Organization]:Hardware/software interfaces;