A Task Oriented Hybrid Framework for Interface Architecture Design

Abstract

Task Analysis techniques models the human activity for the computer based systems. The role of task analysis is vital in the interface design. In recent years, various task analysis techniques have been explored by the researchers, which include Hierarchical Task Analysis (HTA), Cognitive Task Analysis (CTA), Link Analysis (LA), and Timeline Analysis (TA). We have explored that task analysis techniques have certain limitations. They mostly discuss a particular type of domain specific problem. HTA discuss only functional decomposition of the main task into sub-tasks. CTA only models cognitive activity which leads quality attributes in interface design. LA models possible linkage among interface constructs. TA organizes interface artifacts with respect to time. Task Analysis techniques cannot discuss an architectural approach for interface design. Task Analysis techniques requires enhancements. We propose a hybrid framework for the interface architecture design. The proposed framework is based on the outcomes of HTA and CTA, and provides architectural approach to map outcomes of both techniques on interface design using LA and TA. The proposed framework organizes the system's resources using resource model. The hybrid framework also provides the mapping mechanism for the interface architecture design by considering functional as well as quality attributes in the interface design. The proposed framework provides graphical notations for the task analysis which provides an architectural approach for interface design.