Authors:

MacLean, A., Young, R., Bellotti, V.M.E. & Moran, T.P.

Reference:

Year of publication:

1991

CBU number:

2693

Abstract:

Design Space Analysis is an approach to representing design rationale. It uses a semi-formal notation, called QOC, to represent the design space around an artifact. The main constituents of QOC are Questions identifying key issues, Options providing possible answers to the Questions, and Criteria for assessing and comparing the Options. Design Space Analysis also takes account of justifications for the design (and possible alternative designs) that reflect considerations such as consistency, models and analogies, and relevant data and theory. Our work to date emphasises the nature of the QOC representation over processes for creating it. This paper describes the elements of Design Space Analysis and illustrates them by reference to analyses of existing designs and to studies of the concepts and arguments used by designers during design discussions.