A Framework for Design Traceability

Abstract

Methods are needed for implementing findings of theoretical research early in the design phase and tracing them through to final designs. This paper describes one such approach in applying what is known about cognitive psychology, human factors, and development techniques to interface design. The basic technique used to provide a design framework was an adaptation of the Quality Function Deployment (QFD) house of quality. This paper describes the QFD structure and how it was adapted to provide that critical link between theoretical research findings and resulting interface design concepts. The discussion focuses on three topics: basic concepts within the house of quality, the house of quality adapted for interface design, and application to the design process. A number of benefits are realized from use of this approach. First, it describes directly the relationship between human processing characteristics, design requirements, and design solutions. Second, it characterizes the nature of conflicts among alternative design solutions. Third, it indicates areas of potential applied research. Finally, it provides a single, hierarchical construct that carries through from the initial conceptual design to final product evaluation. The benefit of this approach to interface design is that a broad spectrum of theoretical and experimental research is summarized into a manageable design tool, which may provide insights to human factors practitioners, design engineers, and subject matter experts alike.