Using intentional models for the interface design of multi-level systems

In this paper, it is argued that the design of computer interfaces for complex, multi-layered systems needs to take into account the differing intentional models that are held by different types of users of such systems, and that there is a strong correlation between the job roles of individuals and the level of abstraction of the mental models held by such users. An approach to the analysis and design of complex multi-layered systems based on the analysis of job roles to elicit such models is suggested and linked with other techniques of task analysis and object-oriented analysis and design. The methodology is illustrated with the interface analysis for an automatic environmental chemical analyser. (C) 2000 Academic Press.