Visual patterns in software process data
Patrick Knab, Martin Pinzger, Harald C. Gall · Research Repository (Delft University of Technology) · 2010
Abstract. Software development teams gather valuable data about fea-tures and bugs in issue tracking systems. This information can be used to measure and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the development process. In this paper we present an approach that harnesses the ex-traordinary capability of the human brain to detect visual patterns. We specify generic visual process patterns that can be found in issue track-ing data. With these patterns we can analyze information about effort estimation, and the length, and sequence of problem resolution activities. In an industrial case study we apply our interactive tool to identify in-stances of these patterns and discuss our observations. Our approach was validated through extensive discussions with multiple project managers and developers, as well as feedback from the project review board. 1