Abstract
As computations have become prevalent in most parts of society, many domain experts with little programming experience must input their knowledge into complex computer systems as part of their everyday lives. Domain-specific languages (DSLs) promise a way for these domain experts to do so without relying on the assistance of programming professionals.
In this talk, Holger Stadel Borum will present his work on designing a DSL called Management Action Language (MAL). The DSL was designed with a Danish pension software vendor. The purpose of MAL is to let Danish actuaries specify so-called management actions in asset/liability projections conducted by Danish pension companies.
The talk will focus on how human-centred design and co-design techniques were applied in the design of MAL to ensure that the language was usable by its non-programming users.
The application of these techniques was challenging due to MAL’s highly specialised evolving domain and the few opportunities for user participation.
Biography
Holger Stadel Borum is currently finishing his PhD-studies at the IT University of Copenhagen (ITU). His project has mainly revolved around the design of the DSL called Management Action Language (MAL), which was created within a larger research project. In the research project, the Danish software company Edlund provides expertise in software for the Danish pension industry, the University of Copenhagen researches the mathematics in asset/liability projection, and ITU researches how to apply DSLs within this context.
Holger’s interest includes programming languages, interaction design, and formal methods. He finds that DSL design is an exciting intersection of these areas. Prior to his PhD studies, he worked as a student programmer on the research spreadsheet called FunCalc. He is now slowly beginning to consider what to do once he (hopefully) finishes his degree this summer.
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