From Palaces to Yurts - Why Requirements Engineering Needs Design Thinking
Journal
IEEE Internet Computing
ISSN
1089-7801
ISSN-Digital
1941-0131
Type
journal article
Date Issued
2013-03-01
Author(s)
Research Team
IWI4
Abstract
The German saying “von Palästen zu Zelten” compares different systems to different levels of flexibility and agility - that is, “from palaces to yurts.” Requirements engineering systems are geared for developing information system palaces and aren't what's needed for today's world of rapidly changing, app-enabled products. These Web and mobile apps are small, require rapid development, must closely fit customer needs, and change often. Requirements engineering for these would greatly benefit from design thinking - that is, a human-centered, rapid-prototypying method for innovative design.
All house construction requires a solid basement, a supporting infrastructure that provides efficiency in maintenance, and some adjustable elements that will be continuously updated for the house's lifetime. Large, complex houses provide more comfortable living space, but more groundwork is needed if any changes are necessary. IT systems are similar. To meet today's challenges with small, easily changed systems that are more function than infrastructure, we need more that are like yurts rather than palaces.
All house construction requires a solid basement, a supporting infrastructure that provides efficiency in maintenance, and some adjustable elements that will be continuously updated for the house's lifetime. Large, complex houses provide more comfortable living space, but more groundwork is needed if any changes are necessary. IT systems are similar. To meet today's challenges with small, easily changed systems that are more function than infrastructure, we need more that are like yurts rather than palaces.
Language
English
Keywords
IT-Entwicklung
HSG Classification
not classified
Refereed
Yes
Publisher
IEEE
Publisher place
New York, NY
Volume
17
Number
2
Start page
91
End page
94
Pages
4
Subject(s)
Division(s)
Eprints ID
222400
File(s)![Thumbnail Image]()
Name
ATTJD64W.pdf
Size
9.41 MB
Format
Adobe PDF
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