Article Idea:
Specification and simulation tools
suggested by Patrick Stapleton on 2006/02/09
Synopsis
This document provides a discussion of the software specification and simulation tools space. Included is a rationalization of the arguments for and against the implementation of such tools, a rundown of the market players and choice recommendation.
Introduction
Mistakes and ambiguity in communication between the business and the developer are an everyday reality in the software business. Clearing up communication during the design phase holds the potential to reduce rework, and development times while at the same time the potential to enhance the quality of final product.
It is clear then the potential to facilitate communication between these two parties represents a significant efficiency gain. It is this potential that software specification and simulation tools vendors cite when displaying their wares.
Audience
This document should be of interest to both engineering and services operations. Specifically, it should be useful for managers looking to improve efficiency improvement and business analysts interested in the future of their craft.
Want to see this idea turned into a story?
3 people said yes. | 0 people said no.
Liz Danzico
1095 Reputation points
Posted 2006/02/11 @ 19:09PM with
Patrick, it would be interesting to continue thinking through your idea, using this as a starting point. I’d like to see more extensive explanations, visual examples, etc.
Christina Wodtke
537 Reputation points
Posted 2006/02/12 @ 00:13AM with
A neutral, third party article like this coudl be invaluable. keep going.
Donna Spencer
159 Reputation points
Posted 2006/02/16 @ 04:07AM with
But how will it be interesting for information architects?
Patrick Stapleton
9 Reputation points
Posted 2006/02/27 @ 17:17PM with
I am currently working through issues with one of these tools Serena Composer in a blog and would very much welcome comments and additions.
http://serenacomposer.blogspot.com
In relation to your query Donna I think currently there is little support for IA’s in all the products that I looked at as part of my white paper (Irise, Serena Composer, Azure RP, Sofia and Enterprise Simulator). But surely this is opportunity :)
Scott McDowell
43 Reputation points
Posted 2006/03/10 @ 18:22PM with
Hey Patrick,
It’s good to see someone else has a blog dedicated to this space. When you have a few drop over to www.iriseonline.com. In terms of little support I guess it all depends on what deliverable the IA is producing. Each of these products has its own strength and weakness. Axure and Sofea are certainly the most lacking with Serena’s PVC coming in second to iRise. Regardless of which product we’ve used in every case that we’ve used a simulation tool instead of an “old school” tool the final results have been far superior. Of course no tool will fix the lack of core discipline and background in IA skills, everyday we see companies trying to fix their employees lack of core discipline by implementing yet another tool with the hopes that it will magically transform their junior level employee into this master craftsman. I guess that’s the instant gratification world we live in. Have a great weekend.
Christina Wodtke
537 Reputation points
Posted 2006/03/23 @ 11:34AM with
Also, B&A is not a magazine just for IA’s … it’s for designers of all flavors. I think building bridges between engineering and design via specification could be intriguing. it would need to be written to a non engineering/services audience.