Design Pattern Classification and Implementation Strategy

Ideal Steps for Design Pattern Utilization

The following steps outline the ideal process for effectively using design patterns:

1. (P1) Define Criteria: Define criteria for the organization of patterns.
2. (P2) Assemble Catalog: Assemble a catalog of patterns that will facilitate the search for suitable standards.
3. (P3) Generalize Patterns: Generalize the selected patterns for independence from specific methods or private models.
4. (P4) Develop Pattern Language: Develop a pattern language that reflects the natural relationships among elements, leading the designer from general patterns to more specific ones.

Benefits of Indexed Patterns

Patterns indexed by criteria allow for the simple search of a solution to a specific problem.

Criteria for Pattern Classification

Patterns are typically classified based on two main criteria:

• Level of Description
• Design Aspect Achieved

Classification by Level of Description

High Level

Oriented toward the user.

Medium Level

Oriented toward the conceptual model.

Low Level

Oriented toward implementation.

Classification by Design Aspect

The design aspect achieved defines the area of focus for the pattern:

• Navigation: Access to information.
• Structure: Organization of information.
• Presentation: Visual presentation of information.
• Interaction: Interaction mode between the user and the application.
• Personalization: Providing a view according to specific needs.
• Security: Definition of security restrictions to achieve confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

High-Level Description Patterns

These patterns focus on the user experience and high-level goals:

• Navigation

  Different Modes of Navigation: The user must be able to move through information based on their interest.

• Structure

  User-Centric Structure: The user must access information in a simple, intuitive manner to accomplish their tasks.

• Presentation

  Consistency and Aesthetics: The user must find navigational tools and content presented consistently and aesthetically.

• Interaction

  Interaction Control: The user must understand and control the process of interaction.

• Personalization

  Customization: The user must access the application according to their specific needs or interests.

• Security

  Access Control: The user must access the system in a controlled manner, ensuring they are authorized for certain tasks.

Medium-Level Description Patterns

These patterns focus on the conceptual model and organization of content:

• Navigation

  • Contents: The user should go directly to a specific element within a group of nodes.

  • Guided Tour: The user must easily access a group of related nodes sequentially.

  • Context Navigation: A node element must allow exploration in a variety of ways, depending on the task the user is performing.

• Structure

  • Hierarchical Organization: Allows the user to navigate large amounts of information with familiarity.

  • Task-Based Organization: The user must be able to complete a set of related tasks simply and quickly.

• Interaction

  • Information on Demand: The user must control the information they receive.

  • Feedback: The user should know what to expect from the system's actions.