Usability-engineering-requirements as a basis for the integration with software engineering

Abstract

Usability is growing to become an integral quality aspect of software development, but it is not an exclusive attribute of the generated product; it is also a fundamental attribute for the development process itself. The question is how to adapt software engineering processes (or models) in such a way that they can ensure the development of usable solutions. In this paper, the authors present an integration approach pursuing this goal. It draws on so called 'Compliancy and Key Requirements' that can be used for the definition of software processes (or process models) and thereby support the integration of both disciplines. The requirements are based upon representative standards (DIN ISO 13407 and ISO/PAS 18152) but were enhanced by the results of an expert based survey using interviews and questionnaires. Additionally the requirements have been verified by experts and represent an evaluated knowledge base for the development of usable products. © 2009 Springer Berlin Heidelberg.