Leveraging Low Code Development of Smart Personal Assistants: An Integrated Design Approach with the SPADE Method

2023 | Journal of Management Information Systems | Citations: 1

Authors: Elshan, Edona; Ebel, Philipp; Söllner, Matthias; Leimeister, Jan Marco

Abstract: Smart personal assistants (SPAs), such as Alexa for example, promise individuali ... Expand

Abstract: Smart personal assistants (SPAs), such as Alexa for example, promise individualized user interactions owing to their varying interaction possibilities, knowledgeability, and human-like behaviors. To support the widespread adoption and use of SPAs, organizations such as Google or Amazon provide low code environments that support the development of SPAs (e.g., for Google Home or Amazon's Alexa). These so-called low code platforms enable domain experts (e.g., business users without programming skills or experience) to develop SPAs for their purposes. However, using these platforms alone does not guarantee a useful and good conversation with novel SPAs due to non-intuitive design choices. Following a design science research approach, we propose the Smart Personal Assistant for Domain Experts (SPADE) method to address the missing link. This method supports domain experts in the development and contextualization of sophisticated SPAs for various application scenarios and focuses especially on conversational and anthropomorphic design steps. Our proof of concept and proof of value results show that SPADE is useful for supporting domain experts to create effective SPAs in different domains beyond private set-ups. Collapse

Topics: conversational agent low code development platform smart home end user development software developer

Methods: qualitative interview design artifact design science usability testing qualitative content analysis

Designing an Augmented Reality Authoring Tool to Support Complex Tasks. A Design Science Study Using Cognitive Load Theory

2023 | DESRIST | Citations: 0

Authors: Hönemann, Kay; Konopka, Björn; Wiesche, Manuel

Abstract: Despite the potential of augmented reality (AR) to support and guide complex ind ... Expand

Abstract: Despite the potential of augmented reality (AR) to support and guide complex industrial tasks, the technology is still not broadly applied. One possible reason for this is that the creation of AR content is highly complex and requires programming skills and deep spatial knowledge. AR authoring tools can help address this complexity by enabling non-developers to create self-sufficient AR content. Therefore, this paper proposes a theory-driven design for AR authoring tools that allows non-developers to create self-sufficient AR-based instructions to support complex tasks. Based on ten interviews with experts working with AR authoring tools and a following focus group with eight participants, we propose three design principles for future AR authoring tools in the engineering context. These design principles are instantiated in two prototypes of different richness and evaluated in an experiment with 23 students. Our study shows that the cognitive load is slightly increased when using the extensive AR authoring tool, but it also shows that significantly better results can be achieved with the extensive AR authoring tool. We contribute by providing design principles for AR authoring tools for creating AR-based instructions, which extend the existing AR authoring research in the industrial context. Collapse

Topics: ease of use augmented reality task productivity smart device tablet

Methods: design artifact design principle experiment descriptive statistic design science

Theories: cognitive load theory

Fostering Scalable Citizen Development in Organizations: Towards a Guiding Framework

2023 | Americas Conference on Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Viljoen, Altus; Nguyen, John; Kauschinger, Martin; Hein, Andreas

Abstract: Low-code development platforms (LCDPs) offer organizations the potential to rea ... Expand

Abstract: Low-code development platforms (LCDPs) offer organizations the potential to reassign time-intensive software development tasks from professional to citizen developers, freeing up resources for professionals while empowering domain experts. However, while software can be rapidly built through citizen development (CDD), organizations must look beyond implementation and consider whether software built by individuals with limited technical backgrounds is scalable and durable. In this study, we investigate the scalability of CDD in organizations by conducting a multivocal literature review, integrating both the current phenomenon (CDD) as well as related, established research streams like end-user development. We identify four dimensions affecting CDD scalability and four temporal stages of CDD maturity, and present these as a CDD scaling framework. Moreover, we identify three overarching themes in scaling CDD. Finally, we present an integrated research agenda based on the CDD scaling framework and overarching themes. Collapse

Topics: systems development low code development platform database system end user development end user computing

Methods: literature study maturity model design science synthesis computational algorithm

Theories: organizational behavior theory

Towards a Governance of Low-Code Development Platforms Using the Example of Microsoft PowerPlatform in a Multinational Company

2022 | HICSS | Citations: 0

Authors: Heuer, Marvin; Kurtz, Christian; Böhmann, Tilo

Abstract: The advantages of low-code platforms include the ability to better manage corpor ... Expand

Abstract: The advantages of low-code platforms include the ability to better manage corporate processes. These processes can quickly become customized and business critical. Consequently, governance of low-code development platforms gains increasing importance in the IT sector. This paper contributes to the design of a governance for low-code platforms using the example of Microsoft PowerPlatform through the action-designresearch-paradigm within a consumer goods corporation. The paper shows both the relationship between IT governance and low-code platforms and what challenges this poses, as well as the importance of governance of low-code platforms in relation to the field of end-user computing. This work aims at developing governance for low-code platforms, and evaluates it using several methods. Based on the results of the naturalistic evaluation, design principles for the development of a governance for low-code platforms are derived. The principles summarize suggestions for designing such governance, providing evidence-based design knowledge for developing governance of lowcode platforms. Collapse

Topics: low code development platform IT governance end user computing mobile application organizational impact

Methods: qualitative interview design principle structured literature research action design research survey

Empower the Workforce, Empower the Company? Citizen Development Adoption

2022 | HICSS | Citations: 8

Authors: Hoogsteen, Doortje; Borgman, Hans

Abstract: IT departments today face a substantial backlog of business innovation-related a ... Expand

Abstract: IT departments today face a substantial backlog of business innovation-related activities and struggle with a shortage of software developers. Lowcode development platforms can help solve these issues by using technology to empower end-users without programming background to participate in the software development process. This trend is referred to as “citizen development.” Through six case studies, this study advances our understanding of the factors that influence organizational citizen development adoption decisions. We use an extended technology–organization–environment (TOE) framework, which enhances the explanatory power of the base TOE framework. Our results show that multiple risk perceptions, active top management support, projectbased business-IT alignment, centralized IT governance, and business network systems influence organizational citizen development adoption decisions. Based on the results, we discuss academic and practical implications and suggestions for future research. Collapse

Topics: IT alignment IT governance privacy data governance decision making

Methods: qualitative interview case study personal interview qualitative coding literature study

Theories: theory of everything

Should Data Structures Look Flat for End Users?

2020 | Information Systems Management | Citations: 0

Authors: Schulz, Michael; Alpar, Paul; Winter, Patrick

Abstract: Recent developments in business intelligence have not only led to the availabili ... Expand

Abstract: Recent developments in business intelligence have not only led to the availability of more and more heterogeneous data but also to more and more heterogeneous user groups accessing them. Consequently, software vendors offer products with various views on data, wishing to give all users an easy access to the data. We conduct an online experiment among end users with varying analytical expertise for an empirical examination on how data should be structured for presentation. Collapse

Topics: user interface usability database system online analytical processing task complexity

Methods: experiment data modeling Mann Whitney U test descriptive statistic principal component analysis

Towards the Composition of Services by End-Users

2020 | Business & Information Systems Engineering | Citations: 0

Authors: Valderas, Pedro; Torres, Victoria; Pelechano, Vicente

Abstract: Nowadays, we live surrounded by heterogeneous and distributed services that are ... Expand

Abstract: Nowadays, we live surrounded by heterogeneous and distributed services that are available to people anytime and anywhere. Even though these services can be used individually, it is through their synchronized and combined usage that end-users are provided with added value. However, existing solutions to service composition are not targeted at ordinary end-users. In fact, these solutions require technical knowledge to deal with the technological heterogeneity in which they are offered to the market. To this end, the paper presents a tool-supported platform that is aided by: (1) EUCalipTool, an end-user mobile tool that implements a Domain Specific Visual Language, which has been specifically designed to compose services on mobile devices; (2) a Faceted Service Registry, which plays the role of gateway between service implementations and end-users, hiding technological issues from the latter when including services in a composition; and (3) a Generation Module, which transforms end-user descriptions into BPMN specification that are interpreted by an execution infrastructure developed for that purpose. Collapse

Topics: mobile system usability mobile application social network electronic mail

Methods: experiment modeling language business process model and notation survey literature study

Business-managed IT: A Conceptual Framework and Empirical Illustration

2018 | European Conference On Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Kopper, Andreas; Fuerstenau, Daniel; Zimmermann, Stephan; Rentrop, Christopher; Rothe, Hannes; Strahringer, Susanne; Westner, Markus

Abstract: Research on Shadow IT is facing a conceptual dilemma in cases where previously “ ... Expand

Abstract: Research on Shadow IT is facing a conceptual dilemma in cases where previously “covert” systems developed by business entities (individual users, business workgroups, or business units) are integrated in the organizational IT management. These systems become visible, are therefore not “in the shadows” anymore, and subsequently do not fit to existing definitions of Shadow IT. Practice shows that some information systems share characteristics of Shadow IT, but are created openly in alignment with the IT department. This paper therefore proposes the term “Business-managed IT” to describe “overt” information systems developed or managed by business entities. We distinguish Business-managed IT from Shadow IT by illustrating case vignettes. Accordingly, our contribution is to suggest a concept and its delineation against other concepts. In this way, IS researchers interested in IT originated from or maintained by business entities can construct theories with a wider scope of application that are at the same time more specific to practical problems. In addition, value-laden terminology is complemented by a vocabulary that values potentially innovative developments by business entities more adequately. From a practical point of view, the distinction can be used to discuss the distribution of task responsibilities for information systems. Collapse

Topics: IS management organization structure spreadsheet database system computer hardware

Methods: literature study design artifact

Theories: socio technical theory

A Method for Evaluating End-User Development Technologies

2017 | Americas Conference on Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Melo, Claudia de O

Abstract: End-user development (EUD) is a strategy that can reduce a considerable amount o ... Expand

Abstract: End-user development (EUD) is a strategy that can reduce a considerable amount of business demand on IT departments. Empowering the end-user in the context of software development is only possible through technologies that allow them to manipulate data and information without the need for deep programming knowledge. The successful selection of appropriate tools and technologies is highly dependent on the context in which the end-user is embedded. End-users should be a central piece in any software package evaluation, being key in the evaluation process in the end-user development context. However, little research has empirically examined software package evaluation criteria and techniques in general, and in the end-user development context in particular. This paper aims to provide a method for technology evaluation in the context of end-user development and to present the evaluation of two platforms. We conclude our study proposing a set of suggestions for future research. Collapse

Topics: end user development usability system quality systems evaluation Oracle database

Methods: literature study computational algorithm analytic hierarchy process trade-off analysis method structured literature research

Theories: technology acceptance model

A SEMANTIC META MODEL OF SPREADSHEETS

2016 | European Conference On Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Reschenhofer, Thomas

Abstract: Spreadsheets are widely used as decision support systems. However, as numerous s ... Expand

Abstract: Spreadsheets are widely used as decision support systems. However, as numerous studies have shown, many of them contain errors. A major reason for this is the lack of an explicit design of the data model, which at the same time ensures flexibility and is one of the defining features of the spreadsheet paradigm. Therefore, in recent years many approaches to model-driven spreadsheet development emerged addressing this issue. Collapse

Topics: spreadsheet knowledge base usability business process management enterprise information system

Methods: design science metamodel longitudinal research time series analysis class diagram