1. Designing Information Systems Notes
Information Systems Design & Development:
Purpose, features functionality, users & Testing

2. Contents Target Audiences & Users Purpose & Design Questions
Contents page with links to lesson topics

3. Users of Information Systems – The Target Audience
When designing an information system, you have to think about who is going to use the information system The target audience is the group of users who are the intended users for an information system. Having a different target audience will make a big difference to the design of an information system
Two different BBC news websites with different target audiences.

4. Users of an Information System
The users of an information system are the people who interact with that system. You can identify the target audience of an information system by categorising the users Users can be categorised in a number of different ways. ? ? ?

5. Novice Users vs Expert Users
Novice users are new to an information system and do not have much experience in using it. Novice users may not have much experience of using computers in general.
Features used in an information system to help novice users include:
Graphical user interfaces
Tool tips and context sensitive
Wizards
Expert users are very experienced in using the system. They often have significant experience in using computers generally.
Features used in an information system to help expert users include:
Keyboard shortcuts
Customisable user interfaces
Scripting languages
Powerful design tools

6. Subject Knowledge
Potential users of an information system can have varying levels of experience with the information in the system too The target audience of an information can be people who want to be introduced to the topic of the information system, or it can be people want to find out detailed information about the topic
Introductory and detailed information about the Star Wars universe

7. Age Range
The age of the expected user of an information system is important. The way information is presented, and the information itself should be changed to be suitable for the age of the target user For example, young users might benefit from more colourful and interactive presentation, with an interface designed for novice users
Two different BBC websites for different age of children, note the difference in presentation and content.

8. Questions – Target audiences and users
Answer questions in full sentences!
Why is it important to understand the target audience of an information system?
Describe the differences between novice and expert users.
What is meant by the level of subject knowledge of a user? Explain how the level of subject knowledge can affect the content of an information system
What is meant by the age range of a user? Describe how the expected age range of users might affect the design of an information system.
Pick three websites you are familiar with. Write a short paragraph about each describing the target user in terms whether they are novices or experts, the expected age range and their level of subject knowledge

9. Information System Purpose
The purpose of an information system is the reason for which it exists and what it can be used to do. You will be required to give short descriptions of the purpose of an information system and what it does.
Google Maps is an information system that provides the user with maps of the entire world. You can use it to get directions and see pictures of places

10. Features and Functionality
The purpose of an information system can be described in terms of its features and functionality The features of an information system cover what information is going to be used in the information system A feature of Google Maps is that it has maps of the whole world The functionality of an information system cover what the information system lets the user do with the information A function of Google Maps is that you can take a 360o street level view of a map

11. User Interface design factors
Visual Layout:
The visual layout is how elements are placed on the screen. The layout should:
Look appealing to users
Avoid cluttering or overloading the interface
Have a balance of different media
Consider the target audience
Interactivity:
Interactivity is when the information system responds to what the user does. Interactivity has to be considered in the following ways:
What level of interactivity will be present
How information will be reported to the user
Dialogue and error reporting

12. Navigation should always be simple to understand and use Selection:
The user must be able to navigate between the screens / pages of the information system. Some navigation elements, such as browser buttons and database objects lists may be available without being included in the design. Other navigation elements include:
Hyperlinks
Hotspots
Buttons and other controls
Menus
Search bars
Navigation should always be simple to understand and use
Selection:
Selection refers to the methods by which the user can input into the information system. Ideally the input method should be chosen to minimise the risk of errors when entering data. Input methods include:
Text entry
Menu selection
Radio button
Checkboxes

13. Readability: Readability is the ease with which text information can be read and understood. Readability is affected by colour schemes, font choices and layout. Consistency: A user interface is consistent if it looks and behaves in the same way throughout itself. A consistent user interface is easier to use as the users can make assumptions about how to use it.
Word and PowerPoint use consistent user interfaces, making it easy to learn both

14. Questions – Designing Information Systems
Answer questions in full sentences!
What is the purpose of an information system? Explain how the purpose can be described in terms of features and functionality
List seven factors that have to be considered when designing a user interface.
Using the table below, describe in detail a website of your choice
Purpose
Features
Functionality
Visual Layout
Interactivity
Navigation
Selection
Consistency
Readability