To model objects in information systems and user interfaces: implications for object‐oriented methods
Authors: Kaasboll, J.
Journal: Information Systems Journal (1993)
DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2575.1993.tb00118.x
<jats:p><jats:bold>Abstract. </jats:bold> A general way of contrasting the object‐oriented to the function‐oriented approach, called ‘object‐order’ and ‘function‐order’, is proposed in this paper. In addition, when modelling information systems, there is a third principle of ordering, ‘subject‐order’. Object and function‐order are used to define the two approaches to modelling information systems and in human‐computer interaction, in ways that are compatible to the corresponding distinction in programming. The conditions for selecting either of the two approaches are, however, not discussed here.</jats:p><jats:p>By means of an object‐ordered method, e.g. Jackson System Development (JSD), an object‐ordered model is produced, and the user interface that can be derived from the model is object‐ordered too. However, other guidelines in JSD support subject‐order. A function‐ordered interface can be derived from the subject‐ordered model. A computer system designed by means of an object‐organized method may therefore obtain an interface that is partially object‐ordered and partially function‐ordered. Other object‐oriented methods give guidelines for designing function‐oriented interface…