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User Interface Design and Ergonomics - National Open University of ...

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the product is back-ordered or no longer available. Also, interface-flow diagrams can be<br />

used to determine if the user interface has been design consistently, for example in Figure<br />

3 you see that to create the customer summary report <strong>and</strong> a printed order that you select<br />

the print comm<strong>and</strong>. It appears from the diagram that the user interface is consistent, at<br />

least with respect to printing.<br />

4.0 CONCLUSION<br />

In this unit, prototyping was discussed. Various tips <strong>and</strong> techniques <strong>of</strong> prototyping<br />

highlighted while the concept <strong>of</strong> <strong>Interface</strong>-Flow Diagram was also discussed.<br />

5.0 SUMMARY<br />

• The requirements <strong>of</strong> your users drive the development <strong>of</strong> your prototype.<br />

• During evaluation ask: What’s good about the prototype, what’s bad about the<br />

prototype, <strong>and</strong> what’s missing from the prototype.<br />

• Stop the prototyping process when you find the evaluation process is generating<br />

few or no new requirements.<br />

• Look for real-world objects <strong>and</strong> identify how users work with them.<br />

• Work with the people who will use the application when it’s done.<br />

• Set a prototyping schedule <strong>and</strong> stick to it.<br />

• Use a prototyping tool.<br />

• Get the users to work with the prototype, to take it for a test drive.<br />

• Underst<strong>and</strong> the underlying business.<br />

• Do not invest a lot <strong>of</strong> time in something that you’ll probably throw away.<br />

• Document interface objects once they have stabilized.<br />

• Develop an interface-flow diagram for your prototype.<br />

• For each interface object that makes up a prototype, document<br />

Its purpose <strong>and</strong> usage<br />

An indication <strong>of</strong> the other interface objects it interacts with<br />

The purpose <strong>and</strong> usage <strong>of</strong> each <strong>of</strong> its components<br />

6.0 TUTOR MARKED ASSIGNMENT<br />

a. Explain the different prototyping techniques.<br />

b. scribe the <strong>Interface</strong>-Flow Diagram.<br />

7.0 FURTHER READING AND OTHER RESOURCES<br />

Ambler, S.W. & Constantine, L.L. (2000a). The Unified Process Inception Phase.<br />

Gilroy, CA: CMP Books. http://www.ambys<strong>of</strong>t.com/inceptionPhase.html.<br />

Ambler, S.W. & Constantine, L.L. (2000b). The Unified Process Elaboration Phase.<br />

Gilroy, CA: CMP<br />

115

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