COMP106 Assignment 2 Proposal 1

Interface Tasks My new interface design for the University library catalogue will incorporate all of the existing features, as well as some new ones. Four of the main tasks are detailed in the following slides.

Interface Tasks - 1 One of the most important features of the current interface design is the ability to search for a book/resource in various different ways. For example, you can narrow your search depending upon what type of resource you are looking for, or you can search by different criteria, such as author or title. This is a feature that I would re-use in my own interface design as it is the main purpose of the library catalogue and I believe has been designed well. In particular the quick search tool bar is particularly useful and aids experienced users. However I would perhaps extend the design further, by adding extra search categories such as audio resources or those designed for people with special needs, for example large print or braille texts. This would improve the search function and also make the interface of more use to a larger number of users.

Interface Tasks - 2 An entirely new feature of my interface design would be to add hyperlinks to the search results pages. For example, if a user has found details of a book they want to borrow but it is not available, there will be two different links available to them which will open in a new window so as not to disrupt their use of the library catalogue. There will be a link to a list of local libraries so that the user can check if the book is held elsewhere in the area, not just in the University libraries. There will be a link to a list of local bookshops so that the user can also consider the alternative of buying the book and view details of price and availability. Both of these links will improve the service, as if a book is not available the current interface offers no solution to the problem and so is not particularly useful when the users aim has been to find and borrow the book. With my new design, the user is offered a choice of ways to help them further.

Interface Tasks - 3 Another new feature that I would incorporate as part of my design would be the ability to view the interface in a number of different languages. This would be particularly appropriate as the University of Liverpool has a large number of students from different countries, and this would help give them improved access to the library service. The default language for the interface will be set to English, as this is the most commonly required and will mean that the majority of users will not have to spend extra time changing the language settings. There will be a number of options in one area of the screen representing the different languages available and by one of these options the interface will be displayed in the corresponding language. At any time it will be possible to change language or return to English.

Interface Tasks - 4 A key feature of the existing interface is the ability to log in and view your library record online. This allows you to edit your details, renew books, etc. I would incorporate this feature into my new interface design for a number of reasons. It would improve the efficiency of the library service, as it would encourage users to renew or return books they have borrowed making them available to other users. The accuracy of the information held about both users and the resources would improve as any details can be quickly and easily altered by users. I would perhaps also include maps and directions of how to reach the various different libraries to again improve accessibility.

Interface Metaphor I will need a basic metaphor to base my interface design upon. After consideration, I have decided to use the metaphor of a cash machine, or ATM. This choice offers me many benefits. Using a cash machine is something that nearly everybody has had experience of, and so users will be able to identify and use the interface easily. The idea of using buttons to take you to new screens where you have to select an action from a number of choices is useful in this situation as there are so many different ways of searching for resources.

Interface Metaphor - 1 My interface would appear in a similar design to that of the actual cash machine itself, with two columns of buttons, and a card slot to one side. Users would interact with my system by clicking upon any of the buttons, each which would correspond to a high level description of a task. This would display a new screen with further, more low level choices, which again can be clicked. This way the user is able to work systematically through the different tasks available, ensuring that they choose the option that is most suited to their needs. The card slot would serve as a link to the members area of the library, where users can modify personal details and renew books. Here the metaphor is extended, with the card slot representing the insertion of a library card and subsequent access to their details.

Interface Metaphor - 2 To interact with the system the user will use the same input devices as with the current interface – a mouse and keyboard. Only if the user has a touch screen monitor will the metaphor be completely fulfilled. As moving between the different screens may take some time, I would still have a quick search toolbar on my main screen to enable experienced users to use the interface efficiently, and there would be a back button present throughout the different screens to improve usability. Another feature I would include to improve my interfaces usability would be a help section. This would consist of a small area of screen where a brief piece of text instructs users on how to interact with the screen. This would ensure novice users were able to take full advantage of the interface.

Interface Design Objects and Attributes Screen – colour, size, resolution Buttons – positioning, size, shape, colour, labels Card slot – size, positioning, colour Quick search toolbar – positioning, size, drop down lists, colour, ‘Search’ button, text size Text – colour, size, font Relationships Buttons can be visualised on screen Buttons can be clicked Card slot can be clicked Buttons link to different screens Drop down list can be modified

Interface Design - 1 Actions Click on buttons Click on card slot Can move back to the previous screen Can change the language of the interface Can search for a book/resource Can renew a book/resource Can modify personal details

Interface Mappings The table below shows the mapping of some of the more common tasks that the interface performs. TaskHow the user performs itHow the interface performs it 1 User looks for a book in a specific section of the library User searches for a book based on a specific search criteria 2 User goes into library with book to renew it User logs into the members area and renews the book online 3 User goes into library to register new personal details User logs into the members area and updates their personal details online 4 User visits multiple libraries to locate a specific book User searches for the book online and is informed of the book’s location and whether it is currently available