PNNL

Abstract

We are working with physical scientists from a diversity of domains to design and develop problem-solving environments for scientific research. This paper describes our current efforts in conducting domain analysis with different classes of physical scientists. We have employed a method we call participatory workflow analysis, which allows scientists to easily construct, evolve, and decompose workflow diagrams. Using this analysis approach, the scientists have been able to elucidate and document their various research and problem-solving functions and processes. The motivation of this paper is to share our general experiences and findings from our application of participatory workflow analysis with physical scientists. We will describe the participatory workflow analysis approach, show examples from its usage, and present some of our findings from the analysis.