In previous research, we validated our design metrics as predictors of error-prone modules on completed university and industry-based projects. At this point, we needed to determine if our metrics, when actually used during the design process to affect the design, lead to an improved software development process or product. The goal of this research is to evaluate the performance of our design metrics as they are applied to ongoing software development in controlled industry and university experiments.
In the first year of this project, we applied our design metrics to a radar-jamming system and an infrared system at Northrop Grumman Corporation, and to university projects. These studies confirmed the value of our design metrics De and Di as predictors of stress points in software design. We are now applying our metrics to a missile defense system at Northrop to determine if our metrics, when actually used during the design process to affect the design, lead to an improved software development process or product.
This project provides developers with an analysis and evaluation of the design metrics applied to ongoing projects. We have the rare opportunity to apply the metrics, as they are theoretically intended to guide the design process, to SERC industrial projects as well as to university-based projects in this research.