Symbiosis and synergy? scenarios, task analysis and reuse of HCI knowledge

This paper follows the scenarios and task models debate by reviewing the contributions of task modelling and scenario based approaches from a cognitive perspective. A framework of cognitive affordances is introduced to discuss the merits and limitations of each approach. An extension of the modelling theme, generic task models, is proposed to augment the contribution of knowledge reuse to the design process. The paper concludes by discussing how scenario based design might complement task analysis and reuse of task based knowledge.