New methodology of automatic design collaboration

When software design teams attempt to collaborate on different design docu-

ments they suffer from a serious collaboration problem. Designers collaborate either in person or remotely. In person collaboration is expensive but effective. Remote collaboration is inexpensive but inefficient. In, order to gain the most benefit from collaboration there needs to be remote collaboration that is not only cheap but also as efficient as physical collaboration.

Remotely collaborating on software design relies on general tools such as Word, and Excel. These tools are then shared in an inefficient manner by using either email, cloud based file locking tools, or something like google docs. Because these tools either increase the number of design building blocks, or limit the number

of available times in which one can work on a specific document, they drastically decrease productivity.

This thesis outlines a new methodology to increase design productivity, accom- plished by providing design specific collaboration. Using version control systems, this methodology allows for effective project collaboration between remotely lo- cated design teams. The methodology of this paper encompasses role management, policy management, and design artifact management, including nonfunctional re- quirements. Version control can be used for different design products, improving communication and productivity amongst design teams. This thesis outlines this methodology and then outlines a proof of concept tool that embodies the core of these principles.