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TY - GEN ID - cogprints6741 UR - http://cogprints.org/6741/ A1 - Vidger, Mark A1 - Vinson, Norman G. A1 - Singer, Janice A. A1 - Stewart, Darlene A1 - Mews, Keith Y1 - 2008/08// N2 - This paper describes an action research project that we undertook with National Research Council Canada (NRC) scientists. Based on discussions about their difficulties in using software to collect data and manage processes, we identified three requirements for increasing research productivity: ease of use for end- users; managing scientific workflows; and facilitating software interoperability. Based on these requirements, we developed a software framework, Sweet, to assist in the automation of scientific workflows. Throughout the iterative development process, and through a series of structured interviews, we evaluated how the framework was used in practice, and identified increases in productivity and effectiveness and their causes. While the framework provides resources for writing application wrappers, it was easier to code the applications? functionality directly into the framework using OSS components. Ease of use for the end-user and flexible and fully parameterized workflow representations were key elements of the framework?s success. KW - Workflow management KW - User Interfaces KW - scientific computing TI - Supporting the Everyday Work of Scientists: Automating Scientific Workflows SP - 52 AV - public EP - 58 ER -