Authors:
Amanda Quek
and
Hanifa Shah
Affiliation:
Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Technology, Staffordshire University, United Kingdom
Keyword(s):
Activity, Activity theory, Methods, Information systems, Survey
Related
Ontology
Subjects/Areas/Topics:
Design Methodology and Cognitive Factors in Design
;
Enterprise Information Systems
;
Human Factors
;
Human-Computer Interaction
;
Physiological Computing Systems
Abstract:
The role of human factors and the importance of sociocultural and contextual issues in information systems (IS) development has long been recognised. However, these ‘soft’ details remain elusive and difficult to capture. Activity theory (AT) provides a framework with which to analyse and understand human behavior in context.
AT-based methods for IS development may therefore be a way forward. This paper presents a comparative survey of five AT-based methods. Each method is described, and its strengths and weaknesses briefly identified. The methods are then compared along nine key dimensions. As part of the findings, it is determined that most of the methods are selective in their use of AT, and are not sufficiently validated. Several correlations have also been noted across dimensions. Observations are presented on the limitations of existing methods, and suggestions are then made on possible ways forward.