Module 3: Foundations of HCI and Usability Engineering

On module 3 I learned the use of standard measures on HCI design. On this topic we were told the reasons for using standard policies on when designing user interface. As follows
- Standard are widely understood by the users since they are a form of environmental policy.
- The cost of using standard measures is lower compared to implementation, economically effective.
- Sometimes standards need to be evaluated and changes need to be made once found there is other option that fit users than the existing standards.
- Standards are more widely used thus they promote consistency, good practice, common understanding and appropriate priortization of user interface issues. (Waldemar Karwowski, 2006)
I also learned the disadvantages of HCI standards which are as follows
These standards can quickly go out of date since most of them describe principles but not useful solutions.
American system has its own standard that differ from the matrix system used by the rest of the world, when designing a system or a software there should be option for US users or other users which would be the matrix system. This gives the designers a lot of time to fix the problem. Some countries like Chinese have their own new year that need to be considered. (Nigel Bevan, 2001)
Finally I learned how questionnaire can impact HCI design. If the designer designs a poor interface on questionnaire the user will get confused and quit. Finally I learned the styles and specific designs I would have to use when designing questionnaire interface.

Reference
Nigel Bevan. (2001). Disadvantages of user interface standards . International Journal of Human Computer Studies , 18.
Waldemar Karwowski, K. (2006). International Encyclopedia Of Ergonomics And Human Factors. CRC Press.

What is in Human's mind

On this module I learned that human being would find someone to blame or something to blame on when an error occur. But most of the time it does not help if the problem is likely to occur. I realized that problems like this can be reduced and as a designer they will have to find a way to prevent errors and improve the safety of the users. (Khon, Corrigan, & Donaldson, 2000)
In addition to that, I learned principles that need to be followed to make systems safer. I learned why accidents happen, how they happen. As a designer I would have to understand the errors that have occurred then and find solutions to prevent the errors from happening in the future. We have to remember that as a designer I might not be the one using the device. I should act as a user and see if I will be able to work on the device. Some designed are designed for special people like blind or people with no figures.
As a designer I learned that I have to evaluate the system before I release it to make sure that it meets the user’s needs. Check on the client and get the feedback from them and see if the client is satisfied. The other reason for evaluation is to see if there are any errors that need to be cleared. (Wette, 2008)
Finally, I learned that errors can occur as the user start working on the device and some occur later on as the user is at the middle of using it and most of the time those errors will occur due to poor installation. (Khon, Corrigan, & Donaldson, 2000)

Reference
Khon, L., Corrigan, J., & Donaldson, M. (2000). To Err Is Human: Building a Safer Health System. National academy press.
Wette, E. (2008, October 29). Franklin University Proffesor. Class meeting . Columbus, OH, USA.

Observations of HCI issues

In this module I learned the scope of issues affecting human computer interaction and the importance of user interface, the impact of good and bad user interfaces. I learned how diversity of user and tasks affect the design of user interfaces. (Dix, Finlay, Abowd, & Beale, 2004)
I learned that as a designer I would have to work in a diverse area like human factors and graphic design to be able to understand what I need in order to design a good interface. (Dix, Finlay, Abowd, & Beale, 2004)
Moreover, I learned about paradigms and how it promotes usability and interactive system. I also learned about the evolution of paradigms which gives a good practice on the history of interactive computing. Another thing that, I have learned that sometimes paradigms can be successful and sometimes might not get a clear reason why they support a user in accomplishing some tasks. (Dix, Finlay, Abowd, & Beale, 2004)
Finally, I realized that humans are the most unpredictable part when it comes to system design since they have higher failure rates under high stress level. Thus the design must provide an appropriate level of feedback without overloading the user with too much information. (Norman, 2002)

Reference:
Dix, A., Finlay, J., Abowd, G. D., & Beale, R. (2004). Human computer interaction (Third edition ed.). Essex, UK: Pearson education limited.
Norman, D. A. (2002). The design of everyday things. New York, USA: Basic books.

Norman 1 course Blog entry

I have learned the interaction between a computer and a human being.
Learn how to design a product that will effectively interact with a person and allow them to be able to finish the job specified.
I have learned how we can use Norman’s execution evaluation model and interaction framework that extends it, to analyze the interaction in terms of how easy or difficult it is for the user to express what he wants and determine if it is done.
I have learned the use of ergonomics when designing an interface, different types of interface and the importance of each one of them and if not properly used it can affect the effectiveness of the interaction. I have realized that when building a system I should make sure that it is interactive and usable. One can say the system is interactive or usable only if the system enhance.
This site takes you to a Bow – wow books for kids’ site. But once you get on the site you will be like where am I? Where am I going? It is supposed to be children’s web site but it is beyond terrible because there is nothing there.
http://www.bow-wowbooks.com/home.html
I do believe that kids’ sites should have some interactions like sounds. Well it’s a book site. Maybe someone reading the book as the kids follow. Puzzles and other games.

A child will not spend one second trying to figure out how to navigate this site. It took me a minute to figure out what to do on the site.

The Human Component of HCI

On this module I learned about user interface design which is also known as Human Computer Interaction (HCL) which is the study of interaction between the user and the computer. I always thought of interface design in terms of computers, but I have now realized that it also refers to many products where the user interacts with controls or displays. For example computer peripherals or audio equipment products that extensively apply user interface design.
Usability is the method of improving easy way to use during design process. Usability is very important for the survival. For example Intranet for the company, if it is not easy to navigate the site or if it takes time for the employee to find what they are looking for it will slow down their productivity. On the web site, if the customer cannot find what they are looking for they just leave the site and go to another one. (Nielsen's, 2003)
From visual perception
Human beings are highly tuned to images and visual information. When pictures and graphics are well designed they can be very appealing to us thus information can be communicated faster compared to other methods. (Hearst, 1999) I realized that when designing a new product for example a key board it is better to complying with older standards as much as possible - otherwise changes should be highlighted and explained. (Lee, 2008)
I also learned that new products need to be tested by users and receive a feedback from them so that the maker can make any corrections that need to be done before the product gets to the market place. In addition to that, I learned that when making a new product the aim is to make it user friendly, easy to learn, and marketable.
Memory
Moreover, I learned something about human information processing characteristics, how human action is structured, the nature of human communication and human physical and physiological requirements. We need to design an interface that doesn’t require the user to use their long term memory instead we need to balance the human common knowledge and the memory by using some kind of aid to ease their memory. For example: - use visual cues that are recognizable and understandable by the target audience. Consider using standard symbols like IEEE before creating your own. (Lee, 2008)
Problem solving
When designing a user interface, design it in a way that the user will be able to solve any problem they incur by providing a tool that is easily accessible “Help button” where the user will click and type their question. Example: - “When the user prints the document, and suddenly realizes that the printer is not configured to use the font, he can cancel the print job before it wastes lots of paper. The user feels safe playing with the interface.” (Lee, 2008)
Finally, I realized that users become frustrated with the application because they know what they want to do but cannot understand what the program has. For example the user initiate a command and realized that they went the wrong way or that is not what they want, they should immediately be able to reverse or cancel the procedure. (Lee, 2008)

Reference:
Hearst, M. (1999). User Interfaces and Visualization. Retrieved September 23, 2008, from Modern Information Retrieval: http://people.ischool.berkeley.edu
Lee, T. C. (2008, August 28). Experiences - A Pattern Language for User Interface Design. Retrieved September 23, 2008, from http://www.maplefish.com
Nielsen's, J. (2003, August 25). Usability in your product Development. Retrieved September 20, 2008, from Make it happen: http://www.useit.com

RFP REPORT – FOR MOCK’S AGENCY
RFP REPORT

mis 320

Catherine Mock
7/8/2008


Objective: The Mock’s Agency needs to update their current work stations and technology.
Current state of the agency: The current technology was designed to accommodate a small number of employees. But then as the agency continues to grow and the technology keeps changing, existing system is unable to accommodate the fast growing company as a result into more workload and slow service. “The existing system is unable to accommodate company’s daily task and are antiquated and operated beyond design capacity.”
Most records are taken manually and go through different hands of people before stored in the hard copy which is also stored manually.
Mock’s Agency’s system have no direct communication with the headquarters, they need some common system between the two.
Goals
Based on the current state of the Mock’s Agency, our strategy is to assist them in utilizing the newest technologies in efforts to streamline processes. This not only results in cost savings, it allows them to reallocate their internal resources toward core competency functions. These goals are accomplished by providing comprehensive document services as a “single source” supplier. Our goal is to reduce the amount of data entry especially on critical information like names, social security and addresses. Streamline information processes and introduce faster, more efficient technologies where applicable with emphasis on personalized, intelligent document delivery via mail or internet. Provide them with enough workstations based on their needs. Revolutionizes client computing by moving data and hard drives to the data center, while keeping application and graphics processing at the desktop. This also provides significant advantages that can help:
· Tracking data and eliminate time-consuming paperwork and redundant data entry.
· Improve security
· Enhance reliability
· Retrieve information faster
· Share important documents
· Reduce cost
· To develop and integrate solutions that meet current business needs.
Software
· Microsoft Windows Small Business Server 2003 - License - 20 additional user CALs - English Windows XP Professional Edition with Service Pack 2
· Microsoft Office Small Business 2007
· Symantec Corporation: Symantec Endpoint Protection 11.0 - 10 Users for virus protection.
Hardware
· Web Server Solution: 1U Rack mountable Server comes with Microsoft Windows Web server, 2GB memory and Two 80GB Hard Drives
· Rack Servers: Minimize floor space, ideal for customers with multiple servers or with limited storage space.
· Digital Persona® Pro from digital Persona® is a fingerprint sign-on solution that simplifies network and application authentication by replacing the need for user-entered passwords with a simple touch of a finger
· Dell Multifunction Laser printer 1815dn
· Microsoft Corporation Wireless Optical Desktop 3000 Keyboard
· Sony Cyber-shot DSCW170 10.1 MP 5X Zoom Digital Camera
· 10 Dell Precision T5400 Workstation - Businesses that need a space-saving certified workstation with dual-processor power, quad monitor support, up to 32GB memory, and dedicated workstation support.
· 10 Dell - Ultra Sharp 2709W 27-inch Wide-Screen Black Flat Panel Monitor with Height Adjustable Stand
· 4 Latitude ATG D630N Lap top- Designed for tough environments to withstand dust, humidity and potential drops
Networking
· Web-Managed Switches: Gigabit Ethernet connectivity with basic Web-based management features
· Firewall
Conclusion
Now I have my RFP response, I have developed a system that delivers the following
• An off the shelf and field proven software solution from Dell
• 21st century communication infrastructure
• Integration with the head quarter systems
• Developed to maximize funding to aid with the implementation costs for the project.

RFP proposal

OVERVIEW
1. Summary of RFP.
Mock’s Agency has identified the need to the funding to upgrade our existing information system. We are looking for potential vendor for this Request For Proposal and qualifications who would approach the project and implement a fully functional system that works according to our needs including:
· New work stations
· Internet connection
· Servers
· Security solutions
· Backup storage
· Storage & Networking.
The scope of this project includes, but not limited to supplying all necessary hardware, software, integration and installation services, conversion, training, project management maintenance and support.
Mock’s Agency also desires to incorporate the following in the project; Digital camera and mobile cell phone.
Vendors submitting response should:
· All work stations fast and efficient connected to one server including the mobile service for employees’ who are allowed to work from home.
· Develop a strategy that clearly identifies all the requirements needed to improve service delivery to our customers.
· Identify ways that should be taken to improve security in a cost effective manner.

Experience.
Mock’s Agency requests that responses to this document include a list of similarly complex project undertaken in the last three years.
Pre qualification
Solicitation posted June, 1th may be downloaded from Mock’s Agency opportunity database at http://einstein.franklin.edu/~ndossi04/homepage.htm. Interested parties must obtain 8(a) certification from the Small Business Administration prior to Sept. 10, 2003, 4:30 p.m. CST, the closing date of the solicitation. Questions may be submitted by e-mail to mockA@libertymutual.com.
All responses to this document should be received by the Mock’s Agency no later than 4:00 pm AST on October 15, 2008. All the responses should be sent to: -
Mock’s Agency
Attn: Andree Mock, Contract Manager
PO Box 8819
525 Metro Pl North, 450
Dublin, Oh 43081
Phone: (614)432-1209
Fax: (800)-800-2727
Email: mockA@libertymutual.com

2. Background - The project
Mock’s Agency is a small business insurance agency located in Dublin, Ohio. We currently have six employees
Mock’s Agency has received $3.5 million from Liberty Mutual Cooperate office to upgrade our system. Additional funds will be added to the project fund as needed. The system will allow us to be able to connect all the work stations in the office and remote areas. Since our office existing work stations are operating beyond design capacity it is necessary to replace them as it will allow us to be able to perform our jobs properly.
Our backup system is floppy disks, that one of the employees carries it home at the end of the day. Our internet is still a dial up system and every time we do a transaction we get logged out of the internet and we have to start the entire work again. We need cell phones for our employees so we can always call them when they decide to work from home. The office only has 3 work stations and employees have to always share with someone else, this slows us down especially if one of the work station breaks down there is no any backup computer. Our computers are very slow it takes a long time to open up a folder and sometimes the computers will freeze especially when downloading a big file.

3. Outline requirements of your new systems
· Internet/intranet enabled
· System operations and performance
· Security, backup and recovery
· Systems restrictions you may have

4. Vendor information required
A written response to our RFP including:
a. Product detail (Brochure)– the current version available
b. Vendors background, quality accreditation, annual accounts
c. Maintenance and support details and Implementation assistance and training
d. Reference site details for you to contact
e. Outline costs of hardware/software, implementation, training, annual maintenance and support.