Question

1. Clearly describe 4 user concerns with Input Design. Describe technical features of input forms that can assist with each of those 4 concerns.

2. During Input screen design there are times for screen design consistency, and there are times when it is better not. Explain one reason, and example for consistency, and one reason, and example against consistency.

3. Which has data entry from the user? Which can be used with 2 tier CS, or 3 tier CS? Which is simpler for the developer？

Which is usually more efficient?

Explain which you would recommend for your candidate system ESSS or ECS and why.

Answer 1

1)

Input Design

In an information system, input is the raw data that is processed to produce output. During the input design, the developers must consider the input devices such as PC, MICR, OMR, etc.

Therefore, the quality of system input determines the quality of system output. Welldesigned input forms and screens have following properties −

• It should serve specific purpose effectively such as storing, recording, and retrieving the information.

• It ensures proper completion with accuracy.

• It should be easy to fill and straightforward.

• It should focus on user’s attention, consistency, and simplicity.

• All these objectives are obtained using the knowledge of basic design principles regarding −

  • What are the inputs needed for the system?

  • How end users respond to different elements of forms and screens.

Objectives for Input Design

The objectives of input design are −

• To design data entry and input procedures

• To reduce input volume

• To design source documents for data capture or devise other data capture methods

• To design input data records, data entry screens, user interface screens, etc.

• To use validation checks and develop effective input controls.

Data Input Methods

It is important to design appropriate data input methods to prevent errors while entering data. These methods depend on whether the data is entered by customers in forms manually and later entered by data entry operators, or data is directly entered by users on the PCs.

A system should prevent user from making mistakes by −

• Clear form design by leaving enough space for writing legibly.
• Clear instructions to fill form.
• Clear form design.
• Reducing key strokes.
• Immediate error feedback.

Some of the popular data input methods are −

• Batch input method (Offline data input method)
• Online data input method
• Computer readable forms
• Interactive data input

Note: Please ask remaining in another question.