Patterns as a tool for collaboration : A case study of collaboration between designers and developers through user interface pattern libraries.

This thesis aims to explore collaboration between developers and designers with a focus on the role of user interface patterns. Software projects nowadays get more and more complex and it is clear that an individual alone cannot solve them. Collaboration between people with different backgrounds is needed to find solutions in this complex world. In this thesis it is examined what challenges designers and developers face when using pattern libraries in practice. In a case study field data were collected and interviews with practitioners who have used user interface pattern libraries in their projects took place. Challenges that were identified include difficulties to find a definition for patterns, choosing an organizing principle, accessibility of pattern libraries and adjusting existing workflows to pattern library usage