Presents a computational modeling system (CMS) which is intended to provide scientific investigators with a unified computation environment and easy access to a broad range of modeling tools. A major objective of the design of CMS is to hide computational details that are irrelevant to scientific research. (53 references) (Author/JKP)

Explores elements of folkloristics that are applicable to the understanding and construction of computer software systems and programs. Discusses a similar tension between structuralism and contextualism in the study of folkways and by examining software pattern languages in comparison with narrative functions. (Author/LRW)

Presents a group of semiotic principles for software design and uses them to show how they explain different educational possibilities. Discusses interface design and describes Theater in the Computer, a software environment for children, to illustrate semiotic-based principle of interface design. (Author/LRW)

Watts (1993) attributes problems encountered in developing computer-aided career guidance systems to political and economic issues rather than technical or professional ones, a conclusion based largely on experience with the UK PROSPECT system. Offers an alternative view which draws attention to the role of project management in creating some of…

Defines the concepts of hypertext, hypermedia, multimedia, and multimedia networks. Using the rhizome as a metaphor for electronically mediated exchange, a theory of hypermedia design that incorporates principles of connection and heterogeneity, multiplicity, asignifying rupture, and cartography and decalomania is explored. (four references) (MES)

Discussion of user-design as a theoretical process for creating training, software, and computer systems focuses on a case study that describes user-design methodology in home health care through the context of diffusing a new laptop patient-record-keeping system with home nurses. Research needs and implications for the design process are…

This paper discusses a generic query tool that enables an end user to query a metadata store through filters that impose search criteria on attributes. The Metadata Query Tool (MQT) is generic in the sense that it dynamically creates its user interface, based on configuration files that define the metadata scheme and the query functionalities.…

Proposes that object-oriented (OO) analysis, design, and programming methods, currently having a major impact on computing, will play an increasing role in shaping the paradigms of performance technology--particularly in instructional design (ID). Ties this crossover of OO from computing to ID to design trends and ongoing research in ID. (AEF)

Proposes the use of a special purpose drop-in firewall/VPN gateway called Sieve, that can be inserted between the mobile workstation and the network to provide individualized security services for that particular station. Discusses features and advantages of the system and demonstrates how Sieve was used in various application areas such as at…

Discusses multimedia design and the shift in models from computer-assisted instruction and audiovisual learning to multimedia environments and computer-based learning environments. Topics addressed include multimedia generations and architectures; changing trends in software development; object-oriented design; and the design of media systems.…

Discusses the design of computer applications, focusing on understanding design representations--what makes design representations work, and how, in different contexts. Examines the place of various types of representation (e.g., formal notations, models, prototypes, scenarios, and mock-ups) in design and the role of formalisms and representations…

Protein Annotators' Assistant (PAA) is a software system which assists protein annotators in assigning functions to newly sequenced proteins. PAA employs a number of information retrieval techniques in a novel setting and is thus related to text categorization, where multiple categories may be suggested, except that in this case none of the…

Discussion of information system design proposes the artifact as theory perspective and suggests that information system design is best tackled by user-centered theories and methods. Topics include the software development process, human-computer interaction, and implications for information science. (LRW)

Presents a formal object-oriented specification model (OSS) for computer software system development that is supported by a tool that automatically generates a prototype from an object-oriented analysis model (OSA) instance, lets the user examine the prototype, and permits the user to refine the OSA model instance to generate a requirements…

Discussion of the development of a knowledge navigation system to assist users in searching a large database in a local/wide-area network environment considers the construction of navigation maps, the use of DOS and Windows, connection with electronic mail, and parallel operation with other systems such as BITNET. (28 references) (MES)