Object-Oriented Analysis and Design – What Does the Research Say?

Abstract

Although object-oriented systems development (OOSD) has greatly matured over the past decade, the jury is still out on its ultimate impact on IS organizations. While OOSD is viewed by many as the best available solution to the ongoing “software crisis,” some caution that OOSD may be so complex that it will never become a mainstream methodology. Of particular importance to successful OOSD is object-oriented analysis and design (OOAD), the cornerstone of any serious systems development project. This paper reviews a wide range of empirical studies on OOAD involving human subjects, many with conflicting results. A critique of the research methodologies employed and a discussion of future needed research are presented.