Application of a Problem-Solving Methodology to Software Usability

Abstract

A real-world problem is analysed using the contingency theory of Checkland and Jackson & Keys. The problem was presented by a computer manufacturer, and is concerned with the usability of software products. The problem is taken to be soft rather than hard, and occurring in a complex multi-organisational system where the relationships between the systems agents, its customers and the problem-solvers is coercive. A methodology representative of a radical design paradigm is used to structure the problem. The suitability of the chosen methodology, and the radical design paradigm, for the problem context encountered in this research, is evaluated in this thesis. The Jackson & Keys framework, augmented by Jackson to cater for coercive problem contexts, is also evaluated.

Date of Award	Feb 1991
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Aston University