We identified empathy as an under-researched concept in SE due to the limited number of studies focusing on its role within the SE context. We found a large number of diverse empathy models, frameworks, techniques, and measures exist across various disciplines, that were developed to address different aspects of empathy. However, we observed a lack of a structured taxonomy to categorise and interpret these models effectively. This absence of a taxonomy hindered the ability to differentiate among existing empathy models and to understand their applicability within the SE context. We tried to address this gap by developing our taxonomy.

We explored different concepts, models, scales, and frameworks of empathy. At the end of this study, we designed a preliminary taxonomy of empathy in SE and reported other insights by writing a position paper. We developed this taxonomy by analysing the various models available in the empathy literature and grouping them based on their usage, nature, and scope of use.

We present our exploration of key empathy models from various disciplines and our analysis of their adequacy for application in SE. While there is no evidence for empathy models that are readily applicable to SE, we believe these models can be adapted and applied in SE context with the aim of assisting software engineers to increase their empathy for diverse end-user needs. To support this effort, we designed a preliminary taxonomy of empathy by carefully considering the most popular empathy models from different disciplines. This taxonomy is grounded in an analysis of existing conceptual and pragmatic models, techniques, and measures of empathy, aiming to guide future SE research. We summarised key empathy models and major techniques from diverse fields that could be adapted for use in SE and explored leading measures of empathy from various disciplines. Based on our analysis, we propose directions for future research to advance the understanding and application of empathy in SE.

More details: Gunatilake, H., Grundy, J., Mueller, I., & Hoda, R. (2023). Empathy models and software engineering—A preliminary analysis and taxonomy. Journal of Systems and Software, 203, 111747 – [preprint]