Toward an understanding of the variation in approaches to analysis and design

Abstract

This paper contributes to an understanding of the variation in approaches that information system analysts/designers use to do analysis and design. A qualitative, phenomenographic research method was used. Four categories were constituted from the data: an ad hoc strategy with the intention of solving the problem as quickly as possible; a strategy of producing atomistic analysis and design artefacts with the intention of proving analysis/design has taken place; a strategy of adhering to a method with the intention of producing a better solution; and a strategy of adapting and scaling a method with the intent to define the problem accurately while sharing a vision of the project. The contribution to education made by these results is discussed.

Keywords:

• analysis
• design
• analyst/designer
• phenomenography

Acknowledgements

I would like to thank Dr Jo McKenzie for her patience and supervision and Dr Raymond Lister for his patience and advice. I also thank the interviewees without whom this study would not be possible.