Part0 Part1

8/14/2019 Part0 Part1

1/18

Part 0

Project Report

TheUser interface design involves highlighting all the various points of interest in Jamaica as follows:

Political, Cultural, Sports, Entertainment, Agriculture, Business and Historical aspects of the country

just by clicking on the town of interest.

The User interface presents the map of Jamaica along with the marked parishes. Hovering the mouse at

a parish launches a pop-up with the different areas of interest. When the area of interest is selected then

the user is redirected to either a web link to the requisite information or proper documentation is

launched on the subject.

SPECIFICATIONS

The system should provide a means of accessing a list of information on Jamaica on all the

industries in Jamaica including the history of the island.

The interface should be exciting and easy to navigate.

The system should have general and specific information about the island and its activities

(present and past).

The system should allow for choice of events based on preference and location.

List the topics and subtopics in alphabetic order. Parishes are displayed as the Jamaican map

presents them.

The solution is created for additional features which be relevant and important, like telephone

directory listing.

The information should be internet based/Internet Solution with the ability run offline.

The response time should be 1 millisecond per transaction

The system should be built with redundancy so there is 99% availability

The type of machines used to host the site should be server class machines and client servers to

access the site

8/14/2019 Part0 Part1

2/18

The system will be implemented with the use of Adobe Flash and Python programming

language.

METHODS OF DATA GATHERING

Interviews will be sought with representatives of the Jamaica Information Service (JIS) and the Jamaica

Tourist Board.

Potential users of the system will also be surveyed to determine other desired attributes not initially

thought of.

Part1

8/14/2019 Part0 Part1

3/18

Understanding the Problem

Background

Tourism is one of Jamaica's largest industries accounting for approximately 12% of the Gross Domestic

Product (GDP). Since recently, there has been a lot of expansion and diversification of the tourism

product. However there remains a deficiency in information systems which provide a user-friendly

means of exploring the facets of the local culture.

The System: i-JIS

The Interactive Jamaica Information System (i-JIS) will provide a central dock for exploration and

discovery of all the institutions of Jamaica and their activities perfomered through out the year. Thesystem will be enriched with data and information to serve the individual institutions. This will increase

awareness, visibility and also serve as an educational format to both tourists and locals about the

happenings in the Jamaican society.

The successful implementation of i-JIS is expected to be realized upon the consideration of usability

prinicples. Such principles are outlined below in relation to the proposed system:

Visibility of system status

The system is expected to always be in dialogue with the user, such that each task

performed will always yield some form of feedback to indicate its process.

Eg. UserA selects a video feed or a node on the graph, a blinker and a status bar is used

to indicate that the task has been accepted and the final results from the process,

respectively.

Match between system and the real world

The system is expected to be fluent in its operation so has to ensure that the layman can

understand, grasp and identify concepts simiilar to the user.

User control and freedom

Provide users with the ease of navigation so to ensure that if an mistake is made they

could easily return to the previous section or proceed with the correct area of interest.

Consistency and standards

The system is expected to remain constant in its visibility tasks, such as providing set

images to indicate a specific function right throughout.

Error prevention

i-JIS is based on the prinicples of providing a GUI to accomodate all user type hence a

emphasis is place on keeping errors at a minimal.

Recognition rather than recall

Each action or task that the system is programmed to do will be visible to the user at

8/14/2019 Part0 Part1

4/18

every level.

Aesthetic and minimalistic design

i-Jis is expected to be pleasing to the eyes, one such way the system is expected to

achieve this is the use of the Flash designs to gravitate and encapture a visionary image

to the user.

Help and documentationThe i-JIS site is expected to provide adequate and up-todate information on any possible

queries the user might have.

Such desired ways are QNA or FAQ, contact information and a schedule seasonal live

help.

The system is expected to be supported with a extensive database on each respectable

institution, which will be accessable with the use of weblinks throughout the site to

facilitate its documentation.

Need for the System

Apart from an optimistic increase in visitor arrivals to the island, the system is needed to give travellers a inviting

or welcoming feeling to the country. It will be represented as a guide and it will fill doubtly expectations towads

their interaction with the people from a culturalistic perspective based on the identified institutions when they

arrive to the island. The system will be used as a measure to compete with other tourist boards to become the

destination spot. Also, the system is needed as an updated real time version as opposed to its existing system.

Characteristics of the Users

The introduction of any new system brings with it a learning curve. That is, the progression of users

8/14/2019 Part0 Part1

5/18

from a beginner, to intermediate and finally an advance stage. Most designers will agree that most users

are "Perpetual Intermediates". In other words they stay at the intermediate stage and rarely ever get to

advance. The beginner stage is inevitably unavoidable and the aim of designers is to reduce the time

users take to pass this stage. This is can be accomplished through research to ascertain user's mental

models of specific tasks and by designing in line without previously understood systems.

This i-JIS system will be designed based on web navigational principles and as such any user with web

experience should advance quite quickly. Here are the specific characteristics of the user:

1. Familiar with the language of the system (English)

2. Demographic Characteristics

Gender - the system is expected to cater to individuals of both sexes.

Age - while there is no limit on the age group, the earliest estimated range is from 6-8 yrs old.

3. Possess basic cognitive abilities such as:

Processing information

Applying knowledge

Memorizing tasks

Mental imagery

Characteristics of the Tasks

From our task analysis with the existing system, we decide to take the approach ofKnowledge based techniques

which involves the user, what they need to know about the objects and actions involved in a task which is

outlined below in a hierarchies of objects.

Navigation Control

8/14/2019 Part0 Part1

6/18

Forward - going to an advanced area of the page

Backward - going to a previous page

Reload - reconnect the page for fresh update

Stop - stop a task from executing

Home - returning to the home page of the site

Mulitmedia Features Volume Control

Pause Control

Play Control

Skip Control

Previous section Control

Cancel Control

Characteristics of the Task Environment

The task environment is divided into physical environment, task conditions and artifacts.

Physical Environment: For our users, there are actually more than one different environment in which his/her

task can be performed. The task can be done wherever there is an available computer with internet access. This

environment can be either quiet or noisy, closed (with or without air conditioning) or open.

The i-JIS upon successful completion is recommended to be place in airports islandwide, where passengers can

be aware of all the facilities and services the island offers.

Artifacts: Monitor, mouse, keyboard, system unit, chair (and its associated comfort controls), computer desk, ear

phones, and personal effects.

Task Conditions: High speed internet access Up-to-date computer system (should be able to display the high

resolution of the system within a couple of minutes or less)

Contextual Diagram

SEQUENCE FLOW DIAGRAM

8/14/2019 Part0 Part1

9/18

PAST FUTURE

Seldomused Frequent hits

Scope limited Wide range of topics

Limited online help Help database expanded

Refresh Rate is slow Refresh Rate increased

No redundancy Backup site created

8/14/2019 Part0 Part1

10/18

Screen shot of JTB Interactive map accessible athttp://www.visitjamaica.com
http://www.visitjamaica.com/http://www.visitjamaica.com/http://www.visitjamaica.com/

8/14/2019 Part0 Part1

11/18

Analysis of the Existing System

We have identified similarities in our product and an aspect the one currently offered by the Jamaica Tourist

Board (JTB). In order to gain further insight we have embarked on a study of their existing system. Our analysis

and surveys yielded the following:

The system was created to cater to a tourism need for greater knowledge of the Jamaican tourism product; it

offers suggestions for vacation sites and advertises destination accommodations, events, restaurants and other

attractions. This information is accessible via a web interface. Featured venues are accessible through direct links

as well as a more comprehensive means via an interactive map, containing key points which are links to

attractions. The key points represent major towns over the country.

The major users of the system are tourists, travel agents and researchers. The web administrators at JTB are

solely responsible for maintaining the system. Destination information are stored in a database and retrieved

when requested by the client (users).

The interface offers direct visits to attraction sites as well as brief descriptions of featured attractions and other

tourism inclined topics. The interactive map is accessed by a link at the top right hand corner of the page. This

being the closest in design to our intended system, we have analyzed it in greater detail.

It adequately satisfies all the key usability features of an interface design excepting the goal of efficiency. At

present JTB does not provide attraction guides for all its key points usually denoted by the message "No

Attractions or Activities located around were found in the database.

This may deter tourist from visiting these places though they offer great scenic adventures and countryside

attractions. Hence does not efficiently advertise the venues accessible by the map.

The colour coordination of the site is appropriate and aesthetically pleasing. Although this offers virtual mobility

to the unaware visitor it falls short or maximising some user experience goals, such as being helpful to the non-

technical person or motivating.

An ideal example to prove this point comes from how attractions are featured when found in the database. Once

an attraction is found, JTB displays information on the attraction in a small panel approximately 2 inches * 4

inches at the bottom of the screen, the user may choose to see more detail on the attraction by clicking on a link

however, this link redirects the tourist to a JTB webpage which displays the same introduction on the attraction

that was initially given below the interactive map. A link for the actual attraction is now available at this stage.

Whereas this may be a marketing strategy for JTB to keep the client within its site longer the additional routing

may frustrate the anxious visitor, especially if he/she chooses to visit multiple sites.

The map is accompanied by a key which differentiates main regions, towns, landmarks and major sites. This

makes it easier to access highlighted points and adds to ease of use. This current interface doesn't segment

locations based on type of attraction, the database has the capability of filtering searches based on query criteriahence additional functionality to include map modes in facilitating this would definitely increase the user

experience that the system offers.

Overall, the system is obviously designed in accordance with important user interface design goals, it displays

the featured products while maintaining the design theme and meeting the expectations of its clients. The

deficiencies exposed from the analysis can be corrected by minor tweaks to the current structure without

necessitating a complete overhaul of the initial design. This shows scope for continuity and objectivity for future

development to keep up with market needs.

8/14/2019 Part0 Part1

12/18

Description of the larger Social and Technical System

i-JIS is expected to be influential on the basis of both the social and technical structure from the Jamaican

society. In regards to the social system, the system is expected to provide back-end database on the social

institutions and the norms of the Jamaican people. An example of this is, if the user click on a node located in

Kingston, one of the options they would see is a review of the social ministry. This link could also outline the

various activities partaking by the citizens, whether it be a informal or formal affair.

This should impact significantly on the user providing that they are more likely from a different diverse social

background. The i-Jis system will allow them to see a birds eye view of what it is like to live and communicate

on a caribbean island in a developing, democratic country as opposed to be living in a developed, first world

democratic country.

Similarly, the design of the i-JIS which is a flash representation of the Jamaica map should indicate the role that

it plays due to the technical system in which it functions.

The implementation of the system would not have been possible without the use of Adobe Flash player,

commonly called Flash. Flash is lightweight software that can be used on several operating systems. It provides

the functions of delivering high performance and powerful client runtime.

Also, the world wide web has played a significant part in the creation and have aided to fulfill the aim of the i-

JIS. Without the web the main the information could not be accessed or viewed by the pending tourist nor the

applications needed to support the system functionalities.

8/14/2019 Part0 Part1

13/18

Usability Criteria

Usability goals are specifications which are quantifiable and clearly state the objectives that must be

accomplished by the design process. They fall in two categories, namely absolute and relative.

Specific Usability Goals:

1. The system should be easy to learn. (Learnability)

Test: The time to complete the same set of tasks after three (3) attempts by a new user.

2. Users should quickly re-adjust to the system after not using it for a while. (Memorability)

Test: The time a user that have not used the system in a while takes to complete a similar set of

tasks versus that of a new user.

3. Users should be able to perform multiple tasks without reference help. (Memorability)

Test: user performs an advance function without help after a demonstration.

4. Experience users should have means of completing tasks faster. (Efficiency)

Test: time taken to complete a task using one method versus another.

5. User should on average have a good experience using the system.

Test: interview users of the system for feedback.

6. System should minimize crashes.

Test: user testing and mathematical proof of code.

7. If the system crashes the user should notified and be able to recover last state. (Error Handling)

Test: user testing under normal and advance use.

8/14/2019 Part0 Part1

14/18

Description and Justification

Questionnaires, interviews and observations were used to compile information for this study. Ethnographic data

gathered revealed intricate details of the system not otherwise documented. Studies revealed that considering

user groups are important as these groups revealed fluctuations in the required level of usability achieved. The

study of the existing system was conducted through interviews and observation of individuals using the system.

This helped to evaluate how well the usability and user experience goals were met. Users with varying levels of

technical skill were assessed and notes were taken on how well the current system met their needs. This medium

of data collection was most suitable as it enabled us to interpret actual user responses communicated through

dispositions and facial expressions. Theses inferences will allow our designers to focus on areas of the IJIS

design such as navigation routes which could be improved to enhance the general usability and user experience

goals of the system. proper practices for graphical user interfaces.

The information gathering process entailed:

Assessing Graphics User Interface design such as the one on display. This stimulated us as to the most ideal

solution for the problem we are trying to solve. We were able to make comparison as to the best practices for

graphical user interfaces as outlined in our studies and arrive at possible ideas for our final product.

Marcus Garvey Liberty Hall - 76 King Street, Kingston.

Reviewing the Jamaica Tourist Board web site - Interactive Jamaica as it is a similar concept to our proposal. The

Interactive Jamaica is an ideal comparative to our implementation and with the exception of the many additional

features that we aim to implement to bring greater functionality and user appreciation of the site.

http://www.visitjamaica.com/home/Default.aspx

Organize interviews with Mr. David Sheilds - Deputy Director of Marketing and Miss Sophia McKenzie - Web

Designer both of the Jamaica Tourist Board. The respective persons were responsible for the interactive site and

as such we seek to find out from them their intent and purpose for such design. Their plans to extend its

functionality and what has stimulated such a direction. We aim to find out if the decisions being made were a

result of user request or some information gathering process which propelled JTB to do this.Jamaica Tourist Board - 64 Knutsford Boulevard, Kingston 5

Organize interview with Jamaica Information Service with an aim to organize the information for the updated

site such that it is pertinent, relevant, organized and authentic. Based on the additional information the new

INTERACTIVE JAMAICA site will require, we thought it wise to get authentic data/information from JIS as the

site content was critical to the extensiveness of the site to capture an audience that would like to find out more

about our island at a central site.

Jamaica Information Service - 58a H-W-T Road, Kingston 10.

It is hoped that the information gathered will pave the way for a solution that has taken into consideration all the

factors to create a site and solution that balances all the principle of proper practices for graphical user interfaces.

8/14/2019 Part0 Part1

15/18

A sample of the Q&A interview conducted with the staff from JTB, on March 5, 2008

QuestionnaireGeneral Questions

1. What were the main objectives of the web site (emphasis on the

potential users)?

The main objective of the web site is to enhance JTB web

site and the functionality that visitors may require in terms

of navigating the many resources and attractions of the

island.

2. Were those objectives realized?

The objectives are being realized, the statistics give

information of the amount of hits that the site gets on a

daily basis. The feedback and the response from persons

locally and far regions give evidence to the type of

information being accessed.

3. If not, what were some of the hindrances to success (emphasis on

the deficiencies of the system)?

Most of the site has static information and the aim and an

objective is to bring a more interactive site that takes you

through into the Jamaican experience.

4. If yes, to what do you attribute the success (emphasis on the

strong points of the systems) and how would you measure this

success?

Jamaica has a rich tourism product because of its tropical

climate and its closeness to the north American market we

continue benefit. Person search the internet per second for

information and the site has tried to be relevant meeting

8/14/2019 Part0 Part1

16/18

such requirements.

5. Is the site set up to serve other organization or government entity?

Directly the site serves the JTB and indirectly it redirects to other

organization or government entity for the respective information the user

may need.

Design Questions

1. What were the stages involved in the development of the site?

Planning the aim objective of the site and what the overall

site should contain and the features(look and feel),

tendering the site for building, concluding the contract and

implementation.

2. Did potential users have an opportunity to influence the final

design?

Not really, the only users were those persons who had to

approve the site.

3. If yes, on a scale of 1 to 5 how would you rate their involvement?

They were the initiators of the project so they were highly

involved which give a rate of 5.

4. What level of expertise went into the design process?

The level of expertise that went into the design was of a

high standard as these users had the requisite skills and

were qualified, the reputation of the contractor also spoke

for the high level of competence.

Assessment Questions

1. Since implementation, has there been any means by which users

can provide feedback on the site?

8/14/2019 Part0 Part1

17/18

Yes, there is a Contact button at the bottom of the

screen and it allows persons to send feedback, also

displayed are the different agencies and their contacts.

2. If yes, what are some of the likes and dislikes of the system? Are

there any that stand out?

Well the system has covered most of the interest areas, it has

gotten great reviews and the only limitations is that it is not that

interactive.

3. Are any statistics being gathered to determine if objective is being met?

The main objective is being met in terms of visitors to the site, the hits are

stored for reference and determining any changes and the impact it has

had on the site.

4. What, if any, are some of the functional problems of the system?

Eg. Functions which do not behave as they should.

The site has worked, whatever was designed has worked

and therefore functionality has not been compromised.

5. How are such problems handled? How quickly are they resolved?

Depending on the nature of the problem, the normal

procedure is that it is routed through the IT Helpdesk for

JTB and if it requires design changes it is transferred to the

contractor for update.

6. Is there any functionality that you would add/remove from the site?

Currently JTB is in the process of updating the web site and

one of the plan is make it more interactive.

7. What are the top five reasons persons visit the site?

Persons visits the site for vacation planning, island

activities, facts and information about Jamaica and our

locals use it identify hotels they can book at reasonable

rates.

8/14/2019 Part0 Part1

18/18

8. Are there plans for further development of the site?

As indicated earlier there are plans and these plans are

underway to enhance the site.

9. If yes, what will be the focus going forward?

The focus going forward is to shift to a more interactive site with

great dynamics which will enthuse the users and make them want

to return.

920-4924

Part0 Part1

Documents

Transcript of Part0 Part1