A Dialogue Simulation Tool for Use in the Design of Interactive Computer Systems

Abstract

A recurrent problem in designing interactive computer systems is the inability of system designers, users, and implementors to observe the system's external behavior until implementation has occurred. This, in turn, often results in failure to detect design deficiencies until a point when corrections are costly or impractical. A simulation tool is described which allows a systems designer to interactively specify, implement, demonstrate, evaluate, and iteratively modify an operational simulation of the proposed system's user-computer interface. The tool is intended for hands-on usage by an applications-oriented systems designer with little or no formal training in computer software programming. The capabilities and characteristics of the tool are described along with an economical and efficient approach to its design and implementation.