Template-based critic authoring for domain-specific visual language tools

In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in using computer-based 'critic tools' for supporting the end-users or tool designers in analyzing and proactively improving their design artifacts. Several approaches have been applied to designing and realizing such critics, for example rule-based, pattern-matching and knowledge-based approaches. While many studies have found evidence that critic tools are an efficient feedback-providing mechanism, there is still insufficient knowledge about how to provide an effective critic authoring environment. In this paper we apply a business rule template approach as a mechanism to specify and realize critics for Marama-based domain-specific visual language tools. We describe a visual design critic authoring template approach that supports end-users or tool designers in the construction of critics for any Marama-based tools.