Applying Task-based Division in Multi-layered Design - An Industrial Case Study

Journal article, 2005

The user interface often has a tendency to be too complex, e.g. provide more functionality than needed. By creating a Multi-Layered interface the complexity can be handled. Each layer is adapted to the user, e.g. tasks or knowledge. In this paper we show how the layers are obtained by using the concept of a Role Based Access Control(RBAC). The purpose of RBAC is to prevent any unauthorized user to maliciously destroy or access data. Though the choice of RBAC in this case was not primary to stop unauthorized ac cess to the system, but to stop the users in harming the data accidently. The field study was carried out at Volvo Aero Corporation(VAC) in Trollh¨attan, Sweden. The application built permitted several users from different organizations inside VAC to obtain and manipulate data concerning test ing of airplane engines. The fact that the system is currently in use shows the usefulness of the concept.