An Active Hypertext Model for System Requirements

We are developing tools to support a conversational metaphor for requirements definition and analysis. Our conversational model consists of three components: (1) a hypertextual representation of requirements and their interrelations, (2) an issue-based speech act model, and (3) a typology of changes. These components act together in a model we call the Inquiry Cycle. We discuss requirements analysis activities supported by the conversational model, including information retrieval and navigation, rationale management, and agenda management. We have implemented a prototype active hypertext system, and we have applied our model and implementation to the requirements for an ATM banking system, an example we use in the paper for illustration. We are developing tools to support a conversational metaphor for requirements definition and analysis. We view requirements definition as an extended dialogue between stakeholders who are planning the capabilities of a new system. Our emphasis lies fi...

• Type: Conference
• Year: 1993
• Where: IWSSD
• Authors: Colin Potts, Kenji Takahashi
• Keywords: Conversational, IWSSD 1993, Requirements, Requirements Definition, Software Engineering