A framework for designing flexible systems

One approach for suiting the diverse and mutable interaction requirements is to tailor interfaces according to the users´ preferences or needs. Although literature regarding flexible systems presents results with diverse foci, there has been a lack of works with a sociotechnical view to the problem and which consider methods and techniques to support designers in their practice. This paper presents PLuRaL - a framework to design flexible systems that considers a broader and deeper understanding of the domain and the context of use and proposes a norm-based representation for the different “behaviors” the system should have. A feasibility study was conducted, and the results suggest a positive evaluation of PLuRaL´s utility, flexibility in supporting design changes, creative freedom and satisfaction with the results.