Designing Adaptive Software Systems Using Three Context Awareness Viewpoints

Abstract

Human activities, institutional practices, and technical processes often depend on the correct functioning of software systems operating in a context that continuously changes. This is challenging because typical software systems are rigid and cannot easily adapt to changing environments. We call a (software) system “context-aware” if it can sense changes in its context and adapt its behavior in a way that is relevant to a particular context situation, as opposed to rigid systems that cannot easily adapt to the changing environment. As studied before, this may concern adapting to changes in the situation of the user, to changes in the operation of the system itself, and to changes in relevant external factors, such as public values, regulations, and norms. Reflecting context awareness in the software specification process is essential, but it still lacks a formal specification. Aiming at bridging this gap, the current paper proposes a conceptual model for the three viewpoints, assuming a holistic approach that asks for addressing trade-offs. The analysis will be illustrated with several examples. Future research focuses on managing these trade-offs and orchestration-driven approaches.