Heuristic Development: A Redesign of Systems Design

TLDR

Traditional systems development delays delivery of tangible capabilities until the final stages, so shortcomings only surface after systems are built. The article proposes modifying the traditional process by providing or simulating user capabilities early in development. The approach uses an online relational database, supported by behavioral, technical, and operational arguments, and illustrated through several case studies. Introducing early user capabilities lets users interact and heuristically determine requirements, making the heuristic approach useful for MIS managers, analysts, and system users.

Abstract

This article proposes a major modification to the traditional systems development process. Traditional systems development approaches delay the delivery of tangible information system capabilities to users (i.e., query capabilities and decision support models, etc.) until the last stages of systems development. Consequently, it is not until after systems are developed that shortcomings in systems design surface. The authors advocate providing or at least simulating user capabilities early in the systems development process. Such an approach is made possible by the use of an online relational-type Database Management System. Introduction of such user capabilities allows users to interact with the system and heuristically determine information requirements. The authors present behavioral, technical, and operational arguments for a heuristic approach. Also, several case studies of heuristic development are discussed. The heuristic approach to information systems development is a useful concept for MIS managers, systems analysts, and users of computer-based information systems.