Lessons Learned on Developing Educational Systems Using a Hybrid User Centered Methodology - New Contributions in Information Systems and Technologies - page 200

Basili [5], the iterative and incremental method already was dated back from de 50's
and there were concrete examples of projects in the 70's using it. In the 80's emerged,
among other methods, spiral and prototyping methods. In the 90's, agile methods and
real examples of the integration of iterative and incremental approaches [1], [5], [6],
[7], [8], [9], [10]. Agile methods such as Extreme Programming (XP), Scrum and
Crystal Clear, by involving users in the development process, seek to provide and
prioritize new requirements of software and evaluate their iterations. They give focus
to the role of people, and the skills of the development team should be recognized and
exploited. The team members are free to use their own methods of work without
being prescribed obligatory processes [1], [10], [11], [12], [13], [14].
Specifically in what regards to the development of educational software, the
methods described in the literature, have their genesis in premises of the above
methods. Examples are the two methods used in the development of the following
software packages (see Table 1): Univap Virtual [15] and Softvali [16].

Table 1. Software Development Main Stages

Development Stages [1] Univap Virtual [15] Softvali [16]

Specification Analysis and Planning Conception

Design and Implementation Pre-Production Elaboration and Construction

Validation Production Post-Production Finalization

Evolution ------ Feasibility Analysis

Although arising with different designations, analysis, design and implementation
phases that are able to identify these processes. They were introduced in early
proposals for software development methods. In the phase concerning analysis a
survey on software requirements, educational objectives and the target audience is
performed. In the Univap Virtual, at this stage, a survey concerning scientific
information on the subject of educational resource is still made.

3 The Role of User Centered Design

HUCDM is based on principles of agile methods such as keeping the simplicity (it is
developed the essential in order to respond to current requirements). The team
(mainly programmers) seeks to correct and improve the software code continuously.
Delivery is incremental, since the software is built in modules. Thus, while a solution
is tested/validated/evaluated before the increment others are developed based on the
requirements [17].
UCD is used to describe the processes of a project where end users have large
influence and intervention on how it is conducted. Some UCD methods inquire users
about the needs they have in a particular educational area, involving them in specific
parts of the development process. On the other hand, there are methods in which users
have greater presence integrating the team, i.e., they are involved as elements
throughout the process [18].