Making abstract specifications concrete to end-users: the visual workshop hierarchy strategy

This paper proposes a design methodology, aimed at bridging the communicational gap often existing between users and visual interactive system (VIS) designers. The methodology is based on a novel design strategy, here called the 'visual workshop hierarchy' strategy and recognizes that the users of a VIS are experts in some domain different from computer science, who need to perform some task. The strategy allows some users to directly collaborate to the VIS design process. The strategy feasibility is discussed outlining its implementation through BANCO, a Web-based prototype.