Patterns for Screenography - Technical Report 2007
Abstract: The visual design development of Web Information Systems is a complex task. At present, the process is mainly based on experiences and seems to be an immovable part of art. Typically, occurs a late consideration of graphical issues that results in inflexibility and cause problems for extension and change management. Database and software systems are mainly based on development phases such as requirement acquisition and elicitation and conceptual modelling. Moreover, users, their preferences and portfolio are taken into consideration. We show in this preprint that these approaches can be generalised to website presentation. We use methods developed for programming in the large, e.g. patterns. We can map patterns to conceptualisations of web page layout, i.e. grids. Patterns shall help us to reuse concepts. This paper introduces the concept of pattern and clarifies their structure and task for the whole development. Because the WIS development process is based on six dimensions, we initially introduce development dimensions and show the seamless integration of the pattern-based approach. We call the art of website layout screenography. Screenography extends web application engineering by scenographic and dramaturgic aspects and intends to support the interaction between system and user. Screenography aims at an individualised, decorated playout in consideration of intention, user profiles and portfolios, provider aims, context, equipment, functionality and the storyline progress. The users orientation of WIS requires the deep integration of user concerns, tasks and expectations into screenography. Therefore, this paper develops concepts of intention-driven screenography.