A decision-based methodology for object-oriented design

The authors examine the decisions that must be made in applying object-oriented principles to design. A structural object model is presented, and the concepts of decision support systems (DSS) are applied to the formulation of a decision-based methodology for object-oriented design (OOD). The OOD process is stated in terms of the decisions a designer must make while accomplishing OOD tasks. First, a general object-oriented model for design is presented. The decisions involved in OOD are then stated, and a methodology is elaborated on the basis of those decisions. An overview of the development of a decision aid for evolution of the methodology is also given