Task Modelling

Task modelling is a widely used tool in HCI. In the first place, it enables developers to gather and organise end-users requirements, and then to get a clear and general picture of the functionalities that are going to be offered, as well as a clear representation on how these functionalities are going to be organised, one in relation to the other.

Task modelling assists in the design, analysis, implementation and evaluation of applications by:

·         providing a common tool that can be used in development and understood by all members of a development team (software and usability engineers, graphic artists, industrial designers, managers, stakeholders, end-users, etc.),

·         defining a visual form allowing easy use during discussion and group work, and

·         developing an agreed common terminology between all parties making communication easier.

There are two basic issues here : task model notation and task model editing.

Among many task model notations, a subset of Diane+ will be supported by Tamot.

More information can be found on how to build task models.

 

What is a Task Model ?

A task model is a diagrammatic, semi-formal, hierarchical description of the steps (or tasks / sub-tasks) required to fulfill a goal, along with the relationships between these tasks. A Task Model is composed with tasks, links and boolean connectors.

 

Task Model Constructs

Task models are constructed with 3 basic elements :

  1. Task
  2. Boolean Connector
  3. Link

Tasks and Boolean Connectors are also referred to as components.

 

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