CAsE IN POINT 8.2: bOOlean tOys When should a systems analyst decide a design issue, and when should users be allowed to select what works best for them? The field of ergonomics is concerned with improving the work environment and studying how users interact with their environment. Suppose you are a systems analyst studying the order processing system at Boolean Toys, a fast-growing developer of software for preschool children.You know that many data entry users have complained about the input screens. Some users would prefer to rearrange the order of the fields; others would like to change the background color on their screens; still others want shortcuts that would allow them to avoid a series of introductory screens. What if Boolean’s users could customize their own data entry screens without assistance from the IT staff by using a menu-driven utility program? What would be the pros and cons of such an approach?
Question:
CAsE IN POINT 8.2: bOOlean tOys When should a systems analyst decide a design issue, and when should users be allowed to select what works best for them? The field of ergonomics is concerned with improving the work environment and studying how users interact with their environment. Suppose you are a systems analyst studying the order processing system at Boolean Toys, a fast-growing developer of software for preschool children.You know that many data entry users have complained about the input screens. Some users would prefer to rearrange the order of the fields; others would like to change the background color on their screens; still others want shortcuts that would allow them to avoid a series of introductory screens. What if Boolean’s users could customize their own data entry screens without assistance from the IT staff by using a menu-driven utility program? What would be the pros and cons of such an approach?
Answer:
Answer :
For any successful product, design is a most important parameter .User preferred to use application with good UI and are attractive, efficient flow in design. System analyst can decide a design issue by various factors
- If application flow in not working in order they should be.
- Systems analyst should collect user feedbacks, it may sometime a best option as users is an end user of application.
- If some information is leaking.
- Generates data security or integrity issues
Screen design is an ergonomic issue that can affect productivity and user satisfaction. Clearly, screens that are attractive, well laid out, and intuitive are likely to please users who will probably make fewer input errors and be more productive.
What about users designing their own screens?
In my opinion, we should allow some degree of freedom for user to design their screen as they are sole user of that product, their satisfaction is most important.
But it should within some boundaries, as it otherwise may break application normal flow or lead to more input errors and leakage.
Pros
User is more satisfied with product, which is main factor for success of product.
Easy to you. User get what they want
Can satisfies a wide range of people with different tastes.
Cros
It is difficult to design a system that is both powerful and flexible enough for users to operate.
System developer will get addition burden, to apply some standard policy to give these flexibility to users
Input error may be high
Data security: May leads to Information leak
Integrity issues
Many companies allows users to customize their Microsoft Windows interface by selecting background colors, icon arrangement, and similar visual design features that do not affect data security or integrity issues
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