1. People and ICT
INFO 2

2. ICT Systems – Design & Purpose
ICT systems used by organisations have been designed to be used by people and commissioned for a particular purpose
Different people have different needs and this is very important when designing a system

3. Key factors To be taken into account when designing a new system:
Cost benefit analysis (is cost of implementation worth the benefits)
Timescales for implementation (realistic and allow time for testing)
The need to involve clients and end users (to ensure the system meets their needs
The requirements of the client and the end user (realistic and clearly stated)

4. Analysis
Why is the analysis of user needs critical when designing a system?

5. Characteristics of users…
There is no such person as a:
“Standard ICT user”
ICT users will vary in the way that they
interact with computers.

6. Characteristics of users…
The 5 key factors that affect the way in which
users interact with computers are:
Experience
physical characteristics
environment of use
tasks to be undertaken
age
Explain how each of these affect
how users interact with
computer systems…

7. Characteristics of users…
Experience
People that use ICT systems on a regular basis Vs people that use them infrequently
Silver surfers (fastest growing group of internet users)
Physical characteristics
Poor eyesight (output using a large screen, speech synthesiser or printed in form of Braille)
Lack manual dexterity (so unable to use standard keyboard)
Environment of use
Not just used by people at desk
System for buying a train ticket at station (touch screen, quick to use with simple instructions, robust)
Tasks to be undertaken
Entering data (keyboard)
Video game (joystick)
Age
Primary school (screen designs to be very simple, with visual clues as children may not be able to read very well
concept keyboard with pictures overlaid on a pressure-sensitive pad

8. HCI Most ICT systems involve human interaction, e.g.
Person ordering goods online using keyboard and mouse
Passenger purchasing train ticket at machine using a touch screen to make selections from a set of menus
Garden designer create/modify idea for garden layout using CAD package using a graphics tablet
Sales assistant in supermarket processes customer purchases using EPOS till with flatbed scanner

9. HCI… Human Computer Interface
Is the point of interaction between people and computer systems.
The HCI should be designed to make it as easy as possible for humans to communicate with the computer
Creating an appropriate HCI requires:
Choice of appropriate h/w devices (input & output)
Designing the “look & feel” of software including screen layout design

10. Good Interface Design SAFELY ENJOYABLY EFFECTIVELY EFFICIENTLY
Users should be able to use an interface:
SAFELY
Tasks can be completed without risk – e.g. flying an aeroplane.
EFFECTIVELY
Being able to do the right task and do it well – e.g. videoing a TV programme
EFFICIENTLY
To carry out tasks quickly and correctly – e.g. at a cashpoint
Users should be able to enjoy what they are doing, not be frustrated by the interface – e.g. educational programs
ENJOYABLY

11. What are the four different types of user interfaces
What are the four different types of user interfaces? What do you know about them?
Answer: Menu Driven / GUI / Command Line / Natural Langage