Teaching Object-Oriented Analysis and Design: A cognitive approach

In this paper, we introduce a model for developing training systems for object-oriented analysis and design, which we believe addresses the shortcomings of traditional design methods for interactive systems, when applied to this class of problem. Our chief premise is that the identification of the cognitive processes that precipitate the success or failure of an object-oriented analysis and design, can be applied to improving the usability and effectiveness of training techniques and tools. Such improvements would be based upon mental models derived from expert/novice comparisons, addressing specific difficulties that designers face, using cognitive, instructional and learning theory. We expect these advances to lead a software development time/cost reduction, by providing designers with the skills required to facilitate the success of object-oriented projects.