Data Considerations

❏
Audit trail
❏
Every instance of entry and change to data should be logged
❏
Data should be entered into a system only once
❏
Data duplication should be avoided
•Design Trade-Offs
❏
Most design trade-off decisions that you will face come down to the basic conflict
of quality versus cost
❏
Avoid decisions that achieve short-term savings but might mean higher costs later
Prototyping
The method by which a prototype is developed. It involves a repetitive sequence of
analysis, design, modeling, and testing. It is a common technique that can be used to
design
anything from a new home to a computer network.
Prototyping Methods

System prototyping - produces a full-featured, working model of the information
system.
Because the model is “on track” for implementation, it is especially important to
obtain user
feedback, and to be sure that the prototype meets all requirements of users and
management.

Design prototyping or Throwaway prototyping – method of development that employs
technical mechanisms for reducing risk in a project, when the project needs are
vaguely and
poorly laid out. The end product of design prototyping is a user-approved model that
documents and benchmarks the features of the finished system.

Prototyping offers many benefits
Users and systems developers can avoid misunderstandings
Managers can evaluate a working model more effectively than a paper specification

Consider potential problems
The rapid pace of development can create quality problems
In very complex systems, the prototype becomes unwieldy and difficult to manage
Prototyping Tools – systems analysts can use powerful tools to develop prototypes
• CASE tools - Computer-aided systems engineering (CASE), also called computer-
aided
software engineering, is a technique that uses powerful software, called CASE tool,
to
help systems analysts develop and maintain information systems.
• Application generators -A tool that supports the rapid development of computer
programs
by translating a logical model directly into code. Also called a code generator.
• Report generators - a computer program whose purpose is to take data from a
source
such as a database, XML stream or a spreadsheet, and use it to produce a
document in
a format which satisfies a particular human readership
• Screen generators - or form painter, is an interactive tool that helps you design a
custom
interface, create screens forms, and handle data entry format and procedures.
Limitations of Prototypes
❏
A prototype is a functioning system, but it is less efficient than a fully developed
system
❏
Systems developers can upgrade the prototype into the final information system by
adding
the necessary capability. Otherwise, the prototype is discarded
Future Trends in Software Development62
Property of and for the exclusive use of SLU. Reproduction, storing in a retrieval system, distributing, uploading or posting online, or
transmitting in any form or by any
means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise of any part of this document, without the prior written
permission of SLU, is strictly prohibited.
Many software development tools and technologies are in transition
• Web services
• Open source software
• Service-oriented architecture (SOA)
• Loose coupling
• Software quality is more important than ever
Here are some links on how to create prototypes:
Create interactive prototypes with MS PowerPoint
Pencil Project | Free UI Mockup Design Software
Prototyping Tool for Mobile and Websites
Build a WIX Website For FREE in 10 Minutes
User Interface
Describes how users interact with a computer system, and consists of all the
hardware,
software, screens, menus, functions, output, and features that affect two-way
communications
between the user and the computer.
Graphical User Interface - uses visual objects and techniques that allow users to
communicate
effectively with the system.
Usability – user satisfaction, support for business functions, and system effectiveness
❏
Process-control systems – allow users to send commands to the system
❏
User-centered systems – how users communicate with the information system, and
how
the system supports the firm’s business operations
User interface requires the understanding of human-computer interactions and user-centered
design principles.
Human-Computer Interaction describes the relationship between computers and
people who use
them to perform their jobs
•Electronic health records (EHRs)
Seven Habits of Successful Interface Designers:
1.Understand the Business
The interface designer must understand the underlying business functions and how
the
system supports individual, departmental, and enterprise goals. The overall objective
is to design
an interface that helps users to perform their jobs.
2.Maximize Graphical Effectiveness
Studies show that people learn better visually. The immense popularity of Apple’s
iOS and
Microsoft Windows is largely the result of their GUIs that are easy to learn and use. A
well
designed interface can help users learn a new system rapidly and be more
productive.
3.Think Like a User
The designer must learn to think like a user and see the system through a user’s
eyes.
The interface should use terms and metaphors that are familiar to users. Users are
likely to have
real-world experience with many other machines and devices that provide feedback,
such as