Problems and challenges of user involvement in software development: an empirical study

Abstract

Context: The benefits of involving users in software development projects have been studied extensively in the last four decades and have been reported to contribute to user satisfaction thus leading to system success. However, the relationship between user involvement and system success, being a multi-faceted and complex concept, has introduced many problems and challenges for the practitioners. Objective: In this paper we present our findings from a case study to give a deeper understanding of the challenges and problems of user involvement during software development. Method: The data in the case study was collected from interviews, observations and project documents. Results: We present our results in four main categories related to users, communicative aspects, managerial considerations, and project issues. It was observed that system success is achievable even when there are problems and challenges in involving users. Conclusion: Understanding the nature of the problems related to user involvement helps the project managers to develop appropriate strategies for increasing the effectiveness of user involvement.