Question

suggested in Section 16.1 that the objects manipulated by users should be drawn from their domain rather than from a computer domain. Suggest appropriate objects for the following users and systems. A warehouse assistant using an automated parts catalogue An airline pilot using an aircraft safety monitoring system A manager manipulating a financial database A policeman using a patrol car control system

Short answer

Objects should be domain-specific: parts details for warehouse assistants, flight data for pilots, financial documents for managers, and patrol information for policemen.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Exercise

The task is to suggest objects relevant to each user's domain that can be used in specific systems rather than generic computer objects. This highlights the need for interfaces and systems to use domain-specific concepts familiar to the user.

Warehouse Assistant and Automated Parts Catalogue

For a warehouse assistant using an automated parts catalogue, relevant objects could include: item numbers, part descriptions, stock levels, and supplier details. These objects should relate directly to warehouse operations and inventory management.

Airline Pilot and Aircraft Safety Monitoring System

For an airline pilot, the system should present objects like altitude indicators, engine status, flight path data, and weather conditions. These objects are critical for maintaining safety and provide the pilot with necessary real-time data.

Manager and Financial Database

For a manager handling a financial database, the objects might include balance sheets, income statements, budget forecasts, and financial ratios. These are typical objects a manager would engage with while analyzing financial performance.

Policeman and Patrol Car Control System

For a policeman using a patrol car control system, appropriate objects include location maps, incident reports, real-time alerts, and communication interfaces. These objects help in effective patrolling and swift response to incidents.

Key concepts

User Interface Design

User interface design focuses on creating interfaces that are clear and easy for the user to navigate. In the context of domain-specific objects, this means designing interfaces that mirror the user's environment, using familiar terms and objects that the user deals with daily.

For example, when designing a system for a warehouse assistant, incorporating elements like 'item numbers', 'part descriptions', and 'stock levels' into the interface helps the user relate the digital tool to their physical tasks. On the other hand, for an airline pilot, the interface should display critical flight information such as 'altitude indicators', 'engine status', and 'flight path data'. This alignment of the interface with real-world objects enhances usability.

Effective user interface design improves the user's interaction with the system, ensuring they can perform tasks efficiently. It should reduce the cognitive load on the user by using familiar objects and intuitive navigation. This approach not only makes learning the system easier but also increases productivity and accuracy.

System Design

System design involves structuring the overall system architecture and ensuring that each part of the system works seamlessly together. When it comes to domain-specific systems, integrating objects and processes from the user's domain into the system design is crucial.

Let's consider the manager who deals with a financial database. A well-designed system would integrate objects like 'balance sheets' and 'income statements' directly into the system's workflow. This allows the system to process financial data in a way that mirrors the real-world activities of the manager, facilitating smoother data interaction and analysis.

For a patrol car control system used by policemen, the system must efficiently manage 'location maps', 'incident reports', and 'real-time alerts'. These integrations ensure that the system supports the rapid decision-making required during active patrols.

Good system design bridges the gap between technical capabilities and user needs by incorporating objects familiar to the user, thereby decreasing errors and enhancing system reliability.

User Experience

User experience (UX) is all about how a person feels when interacting with a system. The goal is to create a system that is not only functional but also pleasant and accessible for the user. In terms of domain-specific objects, UX design incorporates these elements to make the system intuitive.

When designing systems for different professions, incorporating domain knowledge directly into the UX can greatly enhance satisfaction. For instance, an airline pilot using an aircraft safety monitoring system requires real-time and easily digestible data. Information like 'weather conditions' and 'flight path data' should be prominently displayed to suit their needs during flight.

For a warehouse assistant, customizing the user experience to provide quick access to 'stock levels' and 'supplier details' can improve efficiency and reduce frustration. By aligning the UX design with user expectations and tasks, users are likely to have a more positive perception of the system, leading to increased confidence and satisfaction.

Domain Knowledge

Domain knowledge refers to the understanding of the specific field or industry in which a system is being implemented. Incorporating domain knowledge into system design ensures that the needs of the end-user are met by using relevant objects and terminology.

In the case of the warehouse assistant and their interaction with the parts catalogue, domain knowledge encompasses insights into warehousing logistics, inventory management, and supply chain operations. This knowledge translates into selecting the right objects like 'item numbers' and 'stock levels' that resonate with daily tasks.

An airline pilot relies on comprehensive domain knowledge regarding aviation safety and navigation. Having a deep understanding allows designers to tailor the aircraft safety monitoring system to present data necessary for maintaining safety, making it naturally aligned with a pilot's workflow.

Harnessing domain knowledge allows systems to be built around real-world application, ensuring they are practical, relevant, and intuitive to use. It highlights the importance of context in design, emphasizing objects and processes familiar to users which ultimately improves performance and user satisfaction.