A particularly useful method for analyzing task behaviors is interactive observation, which consists of the analyst interacting with the user while the latter performs his or her job. This method is discussed in more detail below. Tools are specific ways of gathering requirements. Both standardized questions and flowcharts have weaknesses that are especially apparent in behavior-oriented systems. Typical standardized questions do not elicit enough detail to fully inform system design.
Observation suffers from a lack of good methods for organizing the observed behaviors.
A number of tools have recently been created or adapted to improve the requirements elicitation dialog between analysts and users in DSS development. Such tools include, e.g., influence diagrams, conceptual model diagrams, and scenario building tools. For purposes of this abstract, one IRD method and one tool from the framework will be discussed. The method is interactive observation. As noted, behaviors can be described either through observing users or by questioning them as to their actions.