IT SYSTEMS MODEL

WEEK 3

This week we learnt about the IT systems model. IT system modelling is a technique to express, visualize, analyse and transform the architecture of a system. We looked into various models and discussed some.


User Centered Design (UCD)

User-centered design (UCD) is a type of user interface design and a process in which the needs, wants, and limitations of end users of a product are given extensive attention at each stage of the design process

To my opinion, Facebook has the best user centered design.

This is because of the following principles:


It is designed for the users and their tasks therefore it is widely used
Fcabook is also consistent
Use simple and natural dialogue. This is facilitated by simple language tabs that are easier to operate therefore anyone can use. Nowadays Facebook is also in different languages and therefore one uses according to the language which sits him / her best. Facebook also provides adequate feedback on the  " Help'' button and therefore any querry is responded effectively.
It also provides adequate navigation mechanisms by shifting into various links and pages, games and others.It also present information clearly in a display window where one can see all the details clearly and therefore reduces errors by the users.

USABILITY

Usability is a measure of the interactive user experience associated with a user interface, such a website or software application. A user-friendly interface design is easy-to-learn, supports users’ tasks and goals efficiently and effectively, and is satisfying and engaging to use. According to Jeffrey Rubin, usability objectives are:

Usefulness
Product enables user to achieve their goals - the tasks that it was designed to carry out and/or wants needs of user.

Effectiveness (ease of use)
Quantitatively measured by speed of performance or error rate and is tied to a percentage of users.

Learnability
User's ability to operate the system to some defined level of competence after some predetermined period of training. Also, refers to ability for infrequent users to relearn the system.

Attitude (likeability)
User's perceptions, feelings and opinions of the product, usually captured through both written and oral communication

An interface’s level of usability can be measured by inviting intended users of the system to participate in a usability testing session. During a usability test session, a user is given a series of tasks to complete by using the system in question, without any assistance from the researcher. The researcher records user behaviors, emotional reactions, and the user’s performance as the he attempts to accomplish each task. The researcher takes note of any moments of confusion or frustration that the user experienced while trying to complete a task, and also tracks whether or not the user was able to satisfactorily complete each task. Analysis of data from several users provides User Experience Engineers a means of recommending how and where to re-design the interface in order to improve its level of usability and thus, the user experience in general.




Why is Usability Important?

From the user’s perspective, usability is important because it can make the difference between performing a task accurately and completely or not, and enjoying the process or being frustrated.
From the developer’s perspective, usability is important because it can mean the difference between the success or failure of a system.
From a management point of view, software with poor usability can reduce the productivity of the workforce to a level of performance worse than without the system. In all cases, lack of usability can cost time and effort and can greatly determine the success or failure of a system. Given a choice, people tend to buy systems that are more user-friendly.

References:

Foraker Labs(2002-2013), Usability U First, 5th February, 2013 from http://www.usabilityfirst.com