Three empirical studies show how design communities gradually construct their domain by defining important domain objects, creating and evolving representations for viewing these objects, and establishing relationships between objects and representations. The observed design process is termed domain construction. Analyses of these studies are used to characterize the observed domain construction processes of use, elaboration, and modification. Design environments based on two computational models are analyzed in terms of these domain construction processes. The two computational models occupy seemingly different ends of the spectrum from support to flexibility. The Toolbelt model, where practitioners assemble and evolve collections of generic software applications, seemingly offers more flexibility. The Domain-Oriented Design Environment model, where customized domain-oriented tools are created for a specific community, seemingly provides better support but is less flexible. These intuitions are investigated to better understand which aspects of a computational model (i.e., underlying data models, domain models, architectures, and integration services) help or hinder an environment's overall flexibility. The results are used to develop recommendations for the next generation of design support environments.
CHAPTER 1: Introduction
Motivating Problem
Approach
Who Should Read this Thesis?
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CHAPTER 2: The Way We Do Things Around Here
Three Design Stories
What is a Domain?
The Evolution of A Domain
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CHAPTER 3: Domain Construction Framework
Design Language Enactment
Definition of a Computational Model
Supporting Use
Supporting Elaboration
Supporting Modification
Limitations of this Comparison
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CHAPTER 4: Three Toolbelt Environments
The Toolbelt Model
Toolbelt 1: Protocol Analysis
Toolbelt 2: Multimedia Title Design
Toolbelt 3: Voice Dialog Design
Reflections on the Toolbelt Model
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CHAPTER 5: The Voice Dialog Design Environment
The Design Environment Model
Challenges Facing Designers
The Final Vdde System
Examining the Vdde Project Timeline
Analyzing the Vdde Project
Reflecting on the Dode Mode
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CHAPTER 6: Comparing Computational Models
Domain Construction Processes
Technical Aspects of Computational Models
Social Aspects of Computational Models
Other Computational Models
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CHAPTER 7: Next Steps
Improving Toolbelts
Improving Design Environments
Bridging the Gap
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CHAPTER 8: Conclusions
Summary of Approach
Summary of Findings
Contributions of this Research
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