Title
Dealing with abstraction: Case study generalisation as a method for eliciting design patterns
Abstract
Developing a pattern language is a non-trivial problem. A critical requirement is a method to support pattern writers with abstraction, so as they can produce generalised patterns. In this paper, we address this issue by developing a structured process of generalisation. It is important that this process is initiated through engaging participants in identifying initial patterns, i.e. directly dealing with the 'cold-start' problem. We have found that short case study descriptions provide a productive 'way into' the process for participants. We reflect on a 1-year interdisciplinary pan-European research project involving the development of almost 30 cases and over 150 patterns. We provide example cases, detailing the process by which their associated patterns emerged. This was based on a foundation for generalisation from cases with common attributes. We discuss the merits of this approach and its implications for pattern development.
Year
DOI
Venue
2009
10.1016/j.chb.2009.01.007
Computers in Human Behavior
Keywords
Field
DocType
Design patterns,Generalisation,Abstraction,Case study
Abstraction,E learning,Cognitive science,Generalization,Computer science,Software design pattern,Knowledge management,Pattern language,Artificial intelligence,Action research,Peer learning
Journal
Volume
Issue
ISSN
25
5
Computers in Human Behavior
Citations 
PageRank 
References 
7
0.67
11
Authors
2
Name
Order
Citations
PageRank
Niall Winters121718.98
Yishay Mor216030.94