A Methodology for Integrating Cognitive Engineering into Information System Analysis and Design

Abstract

This paper introduces a methodology for integrating Cognitive Engineering into information System Analysis and Design (SAD). Work Domain Analysis (WDA) in CE is used to analyze and capture a large amount data and complex relationships in a work domain. In SAD, Data Flow Diagrams (DFD) and Entity-Relationship (ER) approaches are two important tools. Based on the captured data and relationships in the WDA model, DFD method is employed to further analyze data, data processing, and their relationships from the point of data flow. On the basis of creating WDA and DFD models, Entity-Relationship analysis methods uses normalization principles to optimize table structures, create the relationships among tables, and finally to create an Entity-Relationship Diagram. By applying the integrated methodology to the SAD of a database for health information, we created a system structure diagram, a work domain model, a DFD model, and an ER model. The methodology should emphasize human factors in Information System development, enhance the reliability of SAD and database integrity, and reduce system development time. The database is based on a three-tiered client/server system architecture and running on Oracle9i.