Integrating Human Values in Software Systems: A Case Study on the Pharaon Project

This research project introduces a new approach in requirements engineering, focusing on integrating human values into software systems, using the EU's Pharaon project as a case study. The project aims to improve the lives of older adults and their caregivers through technology, involving various stakeholders like healthcare professionals and caregivers. The research examines whether human values are reflected in motivational goal models, analysing stakeholder requirements that include functional, quality, and emotional goals from six goal models across three pilot sites.

The study found that 9 out of 10 human value categories, based on Schwartz's theory, were identifiable in the goal models, with Security and Self-direction being the most prominent. This indicates the importance of embedding stakeholder values in software development. The research underscores the significant impact of human values on software usage and adoption, citing the Facebook Cambridge Analytica scandal as an example of the consequences of neglecting these values.

In summary, the project demonstrates the importance of incorporating human values into software systems, suggesting that this alignment can enhance software adoption and user satisfaction.

Paper: Identifying human values from goal models: An industrial case study

Project lead

Omar Haggag

Collaborators

Tahira Iqbal (University of Tartu), Kuldar Taveter (University of Tartu), Tarmo Strenze (University of Tartu), Waqar Hussain (Data 61, CSIRO, Australia), John Alphonsus Matthews (University of Tartu), Anu Piirisild (University of Tartu)