An experiment in applying the adaptive design approach to DSS development

Abstract

The very nature of a DSS requires a design method different from the traditional “life cycle” approach for the development of transaction processing systems. An approach proposed here as most appropriate for DSS development is adaptive design. This article discusses the process and application of the adaptive design approach to DSS development. First, the conceptual issues of adaptive design are explored. Then a case study is described of the use of the adaptive design approach. In applying this to DSS development, some important conclusions were made: 1. 1. The adaptive design approach requires a high level of user participation and involvement. 2. 2. Rapid progress in defining the user requirements and developing DSS capabilities during the early stages of the development process establishes the credibility of the DSS builder and leads to user cooperation. 3. 3. DSS generator is a critical factor in the application of the approach. 4. 4. The adaptive design approach seems to reduce the requirement for formal user training. 5. 5. The perceived value of the DSS during the early stages of the adaptive design process seems to be necessary incentive for its adoption by a user.