This paper describes work focused upon the formal analysis of the evaluative framework offered by cognitive dimensions. The paper introduces a tool for assisting with this analysis (CiDa). Findings from using the tool to analyse a series of example systems are described and discussed in relation to proposed cognitive dimension inter-dependencies. Exploiting Cognitive Dimensions Cognitive dimensions have received considerable attention within the human-computer interaction and the psychology of programming. The concepts on which the dimensions are based have received broad interest within a variety of domains where the uptake and complexity of notations and artefacts has been seen as a bottleneck in their effective exploitation, see Blackwell and Bilotta (2000),

Keywords: POP-I.B. teaching specification, POP-II.B. formal specification, POP-III.C. cognitive dimensions This paper discusses research undertaken to look at the usability of Z –a formal specification notation and TranZit –a computer editor for writing Z specifications. The cognitive dimensions framework was the usability evaluation tool chosen for this research. This study focused on how particular cognitive dimensions were relevant to novice use and understanding of the Z notation when reading and writing specifications. This was investigated firstly by completing the ‘Cognitive Dimensions questionnaire optimised for users ’ (Blackwell & Green, 2000) and subsequently by an empirical study developed for some chosen dimensions. The study backed up the choices made and brought up other issues of interest. This has led to ideas for future studies. Further studies may focus on other cognitive dimensions which were found to be important for novice use of Z; or involve trying this experimental approach on other exploratory design activities. 1.