Extending and Evaluating a Pattern Language for Safety-Critical User Interfaces

Connelly, S., Burmeister, J., MacDonald, A. and Hussey, A.

This paper describes the extension and evaluation of an existing pattern language for safety-critical user interface development. The patterns were updated and new patterns were added by examining existing medical systems. The new patterns were found by generating problem definitions from perceived exemplary solutions. This method of pattern development and its application is described. A qualitative evaluation of the pattern language was performed by designing a safety-critical user interface for a hypothetical radiation therapy machine. Discussion of the design process focuses on the usefulness of our patterns as a design tool for safety-critical user interfaces.

Cite as: Connelly, S., Burmeister, J., MacDonald, A. and Hussey, A. (2001). Extending and Evaluating a Pattern Language for Safety-Critical User Interfaces. In Proc. Sixth Australian Workshop on Industrial Experience with Safety Critical Systems and Software (SCS 2001), Brisbane, Australia. CRPIT, 3. Lindsay, P., Ed. ACS. 39-50.

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