Comparing requirements analysis methods for developing reusable component libraries

Abstract

Two approaches to requirements modelling are compared—the Domain Theory [Sutcliffe, A.G., 2002. The Domain Theory: Patterns for Knowledge and Software Reuse. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Mahwah, NJ.] and Problem Frames [Jackson, M., 2001. Problem Frames: Analysing and Structuring Software Development Problems, Pearson Education, Harlow.]—as a means of domain analysis for creating a reusable library of software components for constructing telemedicine applications. Experience of applying each approach as a domain analysis method to specify abstract components (object system models and Problem Frames) is reported. The two approaches produced detailed specifications although at different levels of abstraction: problems frames were better for monitoring, updating and data integrity requirements whereas the Domain Theory proved more useful for task support and user interface requirements. The lessons learned from using model-based approaches to requirements specification, and their merits for creating consistent specifications for reuse libraries, are discussed.