Design process and decision rationale models for the N-Chime interface system

Abstract

The N-CHIME interface system wa s designed with the broad objective o f enabling, or " empowering, " differen t types of users to carry out effective modeling and simulation application s with the Hierarchical Simulatio n Language (HSL) . A design methodology was developed that is based on a "parallel processes" model : a triad o f parallel design processes, one directed a t each of the user, the interface, and th e application . For comprehensive an d systematic interface design, such a methodology is essential . N-CHIME ha s been implemented and tested . Thi s paper presents an overview of the desig n models and some of the resulting tool s and techniques supportive of th e application-specific user . It als o highlights the importance of providin g online access to the design decisio n rationales that were used for the variou s user-visible tools and devices . INTRODUCTIO N