From HCI Patterns Languages to Pattern- Oriented Design

Abstract

During last decade, several human--computer interaction (HCI) researchers and practitioners introduced their own pattern languages with specific terminology and classification. Pattern languages have been considered as a lingua franca for crossing cultural and professional barriers between different stakeholders. Pattern languages have also been presented as building blocks at different levels of granularity, which can be combined to compose new interactive systems. Despite the obvious and acclaimed potential for supporting design, patterns languages has not achieved the acceptance and widespread applicability envisaged by their authors.This chapter provides an analysis of the facts about pattern languages and pattern-based design approaches. Some shortcomings in the presentation and application of HCI patterns languages are identified and discussed under the prevailing fallacies. Based on the analysis of how pattern languages have been used so far, we draw some recommendations and future perspectives on what can be done to address the existing shortcomings. Making pattern languages more accessible, easily understandable, comparable and integratable in software, and usability in engineering tools can promote HCI patterns to claim the usability, usefulness, and importance originally envisaged for the pattern-oriented design approach.