Toward the task-complete development of activity-oriented user interfaces

Task-complete activity-oriented user interfaces require the processing of k nowledge that is based on front-line tasks and user characteristics. This t ype of knowledge enables the support of end users along the flow of work th ey are part of. Task completeness requires a development process that allow s developers to trace the analysis, design, and implementation for particul ar user interface solutions, starting out with a transparent model of work in a consistent and understandable way. The Task Analysis/Design/End User S ystems (TADEUS) project has led to a development technique and an environme nt that meets both objectives. The key concepts of TADEUS are (a) the unify ing, but semantically rich notation for the representation of the results f rom task analysis and design; and (b) the executable specification of user interfaces. A workflow-based interpreter implements the latter concept, ena bling early feedback on task-based artifacts by end users. This way, the st ringent TADEUS methodology together with the tool support lead to a signifi cant increase of quality in use and a reduction of overall development effo rt to achieve user acceptance through task-complete design and implementati on.