Problem frames and object-oriented software architecture

Abstract

The paper attempts to marry object oriented software architecture with M. Jackson's (1995) frames. Jackson's problem frames follow from his perception that many systemic problems in modern software development can be addressed by a greater problem space orientation during system specification and analysis, and a clearer separation of problem and solution space concerns during design and implementation. The author attempts an experimental union of problem space and object oriented architecture by adopting Jackson's generic problem structural patterns, problem frames, as the principal structural driver of an object oriented architecture. Problem frames bring with them a detailed method for solving problems of the corresponding class; the paper extends one problem frame's method to include a basic object oriented framework to provide a reference software architecture. The problem frame's reference architecture is evaluated by applying it to the design of a typical business component. The characteristics of the resultant architecture are then evaluated.