specifying groupware requirements from direct experience
The trend to understand how to develop software that supports the work of groups is beginning to replace the tradition of developing software that just supports the work of individuals. Software that supports group work is currently being called "Groupware", and the technical field is being called "Computer-Supported Cooperative Work" (CSCW). This paper suggests a way to enhance traditional systems analysis practices to address the specification issues surrounding groupware. The enhancements extend traditional practice by incorporating direct work experiences into the software specification process. These new practices enable a systems analyst to focus on the user's work so that a software solution can address the social aspects of that work. These practices can then be used to develop a software specification that includes both functional requirements and usability requirements.
group groupware requirements direct experience software group work paper systems systems analysis practical addressing software specification process user social aspect functional usability computer-supported-cooperative-work