Chapter 15 - Designing Effective Output

1. Output Design Objectives
   • Design output to serve the intended purpose
   • Design output to fit the user
   • Deliver the appropriate quantity of output
   • Assure that the output is where it is needed
   • Provide the output on time
   • Choose the right output method
2. Relating Output Content to Output Method
   Choosing Output Technology
   • Printers
   • Speciality Printers (label makers, envelope printers, etc.)
   • Display Screen
   • Audio Output
   • Microforms (microfilm, microfiche)
   • DVD / CD-ROM
   • Electronic Output (e-mail, faxes, web pages)
   • Factors to consider when choosing output technology
     • Who will use(see) the output (requisite quality)?
     • How many people need the output?
     • Where is the output needed (distribution / logistics)?
     • What is the purpose of the output?
     • What is the speed with which the output is needed?
     • How frequently will the output be accessed?
     • How long will (or must) the output be stored?
     • Under what special regulations is the output produced, stored, and distributed?
     • What are the initial and ongoing costs of maintenance and supplies?
     • What are the environmental requirements (noise absorption, controlled temperature, space for equipment, cabling) for output technologies?
3. Realizing How Output Bias Affects Users
   • Recognizing Bias in the Way Output is Used
     • Introducing Bias when Information is Sorted (ex. SABRE)
     • Introducing Bias by Setting Limits
     • Introducing Bias Through Graphics
   • Avoiding Bias in the Design of Output
     • Be aware of the sources of bias
     • Create an interactive design of output that includes users and a variety of differently-configured systems
     • Work with users so that they are informed of the output's biases
     • Create output that is flexible and that allows users to modify limits and ranges
     • Train users to rely on multiple output for conducting "reality tests" on system output
4. Designing Printed Output
   • Guidelines for Printed Report Design
     • Report Design Conventions (type of data, size of form)
     • Paper Quality, Type, and Size
     • Special Output Forms
     • Design Considerations (functional attributes, stylistic/aesthetic attributes)
   • Steps in Designing Output Reports with a Computer-Aided Software Tool
     1. Determine the need for the report
     2. Determine the users
     3. Determine the data items to be included
     4. Estimate the overall size of the report
     5. Title the report
     6. Number the pages of the report
     7. Include the preparation date on the report
     8. Label each column of data
     9. Define variable data
     10. Indicate positioning of white space
     11. Review prototype reports with users and programmers for feasibility, usefulness, readability, understandability, and aesthetic appeal
5. Designing Screen Output
   • Guidelines for Screen Design
     • Keep the screen simple
     • Keep the screen presentation consistent
     • Facilitate user movement among screes
     • Create an attractive screen
   • Tabular Output for DSSs
   • Graphical Output for DSSs
6. Designing a Web Site
   • Use Professional Tools
   • Study Other Web Sites
   • Use the Resources that the Web has to Offer.
   • Examine the Web Sites of Professional Designers
   • Use the Tools You've Learned
   • Consult books
   • Look at some poor examples of web pages, too
   • Create templates of your own
   • Use Plug-ins, Audio, and Video Very Sparingly
   • Plan Ahead

Exercises: (due - noon Nov. 17, 1998)
e-mail to summers_wayne@ColumbusState.edu your answers to the following problems: 3