Living Design Memory: Lessons Learned

We identify an important type of software design knowledge that we call community-specific folklore and discuss problems with current approaches to managing it. We developed a general framework for a living design memory, built a design memory tool, and deployed the tool in a large software development organization. The tool effectively disseminates knowledge relevant to local software design practice. It is embedded in the organizational process to help ensure that its knowledge evolves as necessary. This work illustrates important lessons in building knowledge management systems, integrating novel technology into organizational practice, and carrying out research-development partnerships.