Chapter 9 - Designing the Systems Input

A) Introduction

data used to:

• insert, delete,or update database data
• combine with data in a database
• enter & process directly to output
• intiate an action or perform a task
• carry on a dialogue with the system

ways to capture data

• paper forms
• electronic forms
• direct entry devices
• codes
• menus
• natural languages

B) Designing Paper Forms

• Selecting Paper (color, size, grades, weight)
• Determining the Size (8 1/2" x 11", 8 1/2" x 14", A4, A5)
• Creating Forms that Make Multiple Copies (manifolding)
• Dividing Forms into Zones of Data (Fig. 9.2)
• Creating Meaningful Titles
• Embedding Instructions in the Design

Using Lines, Boxes, and Captions (Fig. 9.3)

• Source Document (caption above box)
• Data Field Indicators (Fig. 9.4)
• Alternative Selections - ballot box checking /circling
• Spacing - 3/5: 3 vertical by 5 horizontal
• Sequencing (Fig. 9.8)

• Create Data-Entry Screens consistent with Source Document
• Use abbreviations in Captions on Data-Entry Screens
• Break up long fields with delimiters & spaces (Fig. 9.11)

C) Designing Electronic Forms

• smart electronic forms
• guide users
• perform calculations
• check limits
• coordinate processing tasks

electronic vs. paper forms

• costs of running out,
• forms obsolescence,
• inefficient forms,
• using wrong form,
• cost of managing forms,
• speed limit of paper forms,
• handling data twice,
• cost of data float

designing data fields:

• protected fields
• numeric fields & alphanumeric fields
• normal, bright & nondisplay fields

Displaying On-screen Messages: prompts, daignostic messages, information messages & status messages

• 1) simple messages
• 2) positive statements
• 3) active voice
• 4) attention-getting techiniques (highlighting, underlining, etc.)
• 5) use helpful messages, not warnings or imperatives
• 6) minimize chatty messages and value judgements
• 7) order words chronologically
• 8) avoid jargon

D) Entering Data Directly

Direct-Entry Devices

• Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR)
• Optical Character Reader (OCR)
• Optical Mark Recognition (OMR)
• Digitizer
• Image Scanner
• Point-of-Sale Device (POS)
• Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs)
• Mouse
• Voice Recognition

Document Image Processing (Fig. 9.15)

• needs scanner, storage on optical media, server, output devices

E) Designing Codes that Represent Data

• code design must be flexible
• use standard procedures (dates and times)
• code lengths should be consistent
• divide long codes up

• Sequence Codes (checks, purchase orders, inventories)
• Block Codes (accounts, library books)
• Group Codes (Fig. 9.16)
• Bar Codes
• Color Codes

F) Designing Menus for Entering Data

• (Fig. 9.17 & 9.18)
• Hyperlinks
• Pull-down menus (Fig. 9.19 & 9.20)
• Shingled (Cascaded) vs. Tiled Menus (Fig. 9.21 & 9.22)
• Icon Menus
• Touch Menus (Fig. 9.23)
• Sound cues

G) Designing Systems that Respond to Human Voice

• Natural Language Interface
• Conversational Dialogues
• Database Interfaces

Exercises: look over 1-27; turn in 9.28, 9.31, 9.33, 9.34, 9.37