Regis University ePublications at Regis University All Regis University Theses Fall 2008 Enhancing the Development Process with Wikified Widgets Gary Gotchel Regis University Follow this and additional works at: https://epublications.regis.edu/theses Part of the Computer Sciences Commons Recommended Citation Gotchel, Gary, "Enhancing the Development Process with Wikified Widgets" (2008). All Regis University Theses. 146. https://epublications.regis.edu/theses/146 This Thesis - Open Access is brought to you for free and open access by ePublications at Regis University. It has been accepted for inclusion in All Regis University Theses by an authorized administrator of ePublications at Regis University. For more information, please contact [email protected]. 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The materials may not be downloaded in whole or in part without permission of the copyright holder or as otherwise authorized in the “fair use” standards of the U.S. copyright laws and regulations. Enhancing the Software Development Process with Wikified Widgets � by � Gary Gotchel � [email protected] � A Thesis/Practicum Report submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of � Master of Science in Software and Information Science � School of Computer and Information Sciences � College for Professional Studies � Regis University � Denver, Colorado � August 29, 2008 � Wikified Widgets � Abstract Wikis are now merging with other applications. Structured wikis, also known as application wikis, have evolved in recent years. This second generation has embedded applications into the wiki, which are used to structure access to the wiki repository's otherwise unstructured content. This paper investigates the other possible approach to merging wikis with applications. It researches the utility of embedding wiki functionality into common applications. Utility will be measured by the benefits to the software development process offered by this approach. I introduce a new term, wikified widget, to describe a GUI component that provides structured access to a wiki repository from within non-wiki applications. Merging wiki and applications in this manner provides immediate and contextual access to a wiki repository from standard applications. There is great potential here, because this builds a new path for communication between all users of an application and its designers. Increased, and constant collaboration between these groups supports rapid iterations of software development, and should improve the dismally low success rate of software projects. v � Wikified Widgets � Acknowledgements � I would like to thank my thesis advisor, Dr. Douglas Hart, for his guidance and advice, and my family, for their support and patience. This research paper investigates one way that humans collaborate using technology. It relied heavily on software provided by the many contributors of the open-source community, and was inspired by the success of their collaborative genius. vi � Wikified Widgets � Table of Contents 1. Chapter 1 Introduction.....................................................................................................................1 1.1. Problem Statement...................................................................................................................1 1.2. Thesis Statement......................................................................................................................3 1.3. Project Relevance....................................................................................................................3 1.4. Project Scope...........................................................................................................................4 1.5. Project Limitations...................................................................................................................5 2. Chapter 2 – Review of Literature and Research..............................................................................6 2.1. Definition of Terms.................................................................................................................6 2.2. Customer Communication.......................................................................................................8 2.2.1. Previous Studies...............................................................................................................8 2.2.2. Potential Contributions....................................................................................................9 2.3. Hindrances to Using a Wiki...................................................................................................10 2.3.1. Previous Studies.............................................................................................................10 2.3.2. Potential Contributions..................................................................................................11 2.4. Wikis in a Corporate Environment........................................................................................11 2.4.1. Previous Studies.............................................................................................................12 2.4.2. Potential Contributions..................................................................................................13 2.5. Unstructured Nature of Wikis................................................................................................15 2.5.1. Previous Studies.............................................................................................................15 2.5.2. Potential Contributions..................................................................................................16 3. Chapter3 - Methodology................................................................................................................17 3.1. Overview................................................................................................................................17 3.1.1. Choice of Methodology.................................................................................................17 3.1.2. Questions Derived from Thesis Statement.....................................................................17 3.2. Exposing Participants to Wikified Widgets...........................................................................18 3.2.1. The Wikified Context Widget........................................................................................20 � 3.2.1.a. Design Considerations.............................................................................................20 � 3.2.1.b. Screen Layout..........................................................................................................22 � 3.2.1.c. Context Dependent Invocation................................................................................23 � 3.2.1.d. Edit Page Function..................................................................................................27 � 3.2.1.e. Add Comment Function..........................................................................................29 3.2.2. The Wikified Welcome Page Widget............................................................................32 � 3.2.2.a. Design Considerations.............................................................................................32 � 3.2.2.b. Implementation........................................................................................................33 3.2.3. The Wikified All Comments Widget.............................................................................35 � 3.2.3.a. Design Considerations.............................................................................................35 � 3.2.3.b. Implementation........................................................................................................36 3.2.4. The Wikified Keyword Registry Widget.......................................................................38 � 3.2.4.a. Design Considerations.............................................................................................38 � 3.2.4.b. Implementation........................................................................................................39 3.2.5. Help Buttons and Pages.................................................................................................41 3.2.6. Single Sign-on................................................................................................................41 3.3. Observations..........................................................................................................................42