Proposal for spiral design approach

The purpose of this study is to develop a design approach for information appliances based on life cycle design perspective for the network computing ages. This paper focuses on the design approach and the tools designers will need for the proposed design approach. Based on the life cycle of artifacts and the evolution of artifacts, spiral design is a proposed design approach for information appliances in the network computing age. Its design target is including artefacts, their environment, and their relationships with humans. Humans includes all ages, all cultures, all regions, the disabled, future users, and even nonusers who are looking at the artifacts. Artifacts includes real artifacts, virtual artifacts, and changing artifacts at all stages of their life cycles. All stages of their life cycles includes awareness, setup, use, update, and recycling. Design method is based on collaboration with various professionals and user. To realize the spiral design approach, an SD matrix, an SD framework, and a acting user scenario are proposed as tools for designers. The SD matrix is a tool to help designers consider the entire life cycle and all of the people involved. The SD framework is a tool to produce each artifact for all user groups. The acting user scenario is a tool for deciding on requirements, performing evaluations, and supporting collaboration among various professionals and users. Based on this proposed design approach and these tools, several mini case studies were conducted for designing an information appliance. These results indicate that the proposed approach can help designers.