Automating a Design Reuse Facility with Critical Parameters: Lessons Learned in Developing the LINK-UP System

We propose an interface design process compatible with scenario-based design methods, but specifically intended to facilitate three primary goals: design knowledge reuse, comparison of design products, and long-term research growth within HCI. This effort describes a computer-aided design tool suite, LINK-UP, which supports the design process for specific genre of systems that cross many domains—notification systems. We describe the vision for LINK-UP, contrasting underlying concepts with typical task-based modeling approaches. To achieve its stated goals, the design process is organized and guided by critical parameters, presenting several challenges that we reflect on through the results of a design simulation study. The possibilities envisioned through this approach have important implications for the integration of reusable design knowledge, HCI processes, and design support tools.