Information systems user-designer communication problems

Designing an information system of some complexity requires cooperation between three parties: the user, the designer, and the builder. To achieve efficient communication between these, a number of problems that stem from the differences in background of the persons involved must be overcome. The following vehicles for communication (forms of specification language) are discussed: graphic diagrams, tables, natural language and formal languages. Although intended for investigating design options, prototyping also renders a communication-type service, which is particularly useful when requirements are incomplete. The various forms of expression are compared, and weaknesses and strengths are highlighted.