Unit 2 Systems Development and User Experience UX Assignment Sample

Introduction:Unit 2 Systems Development and User Experience (UX)

The creation of an information management system for a delivery and logistics company requires the coverage of all aspects due to the complexity of the work done by such organizations. The purpose of this project is to transfer the current system of the client using spreadsheet tracking for deliveries to an integrated system which has the facility to record and book delivery of each item, tracking of delivery status, making of delivery routes and monitoring of service to customers. It has to allow the suppliers’ view, the management and administrators’ view, customers, and drivers, each of which has different access and permissions. The focus must be made on the level of usability and availability on multiple devices, including the ones drivers will use for communication and tracking. The strategies put down in this document are structured accordingly, explaining why it is informative to stick to systems development lifecycle models, using optimum software methods, and following the law to the latter.

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Task 1

Analysis of SDLC Models

A critical review of SDLC Models shows that they play a central function in facilitating the construction of high-quality Information Management Systems. The Waterfall model can be described as linear and sequential and provides distinct phases but is very rigid, therefore, is not optimal for projects that may have changing requirements (Senarath, 2021). The Iterative model where frequent cycles of development are lets flexibility but may result in expansion of the project’s scope (Okesola et al. 2020). The Spiral model integrates the development approach with risk assessment that answers the question of uncertainty but at the same time adds to the aspects of complications and cost (Pérez-Castillo et al. 2024). The V-shaped model also stresses validation and verification of the results produced in each phase and while effective in this does not possess the fixed nature of the Waterfall model (Meneses and Varajão, 2022). While the Agile model is centred on the delivery of multiple small portions and extensive customer participation, it is particularly reliable in terms of flexibility; however, the model might prove inefficient when it comes to integration on a larger scale (Al-Saqqa et al. 2020).

Problems from Not Using an SDLC Model

Software projects are the most affected when a Systems Development Lifecycle (SDLC) model is not used and this is essential because of inadequate structure, planning and management (Adanna and Nonyelum, 2020). In the absence of an SDLC model, there is the dilettante expression of users' necessities that end up with the provision of a product that does not meet their needs. This means that there are no proven methods and procedures to follow when dealing with the stakeholders; thus there may be confusion and lateness when communicating (Islam, 2022). Moreover, the absence of the review and testing phases makes it possible to develop flawed software and create a faulty system due to the absence of the respective checking and refinancing cycle.

Benefits of Using an SDLC Model

The implementation of an SDLC model in a development project leads to systematic planning, better communication, and defined project phases; which are beneficial in managing the projects and quality assurance (Alzayed and Khalfan, 2022). This structured approach helps to reduce the risks and consequently, will help to meet user requirements, while achieving the intended deadlines and within proposed budgets.

Analysis of Software Development Methodologies

Agile, DevOps, Waterfall, and Rapid software development possess their strengths and weaknesses. Agile supports flexibility and semblance of the customer but is not very good for expansion (Zaitsev et al. 2020). DevOps improves the continuity of integration and delivery of software but comes with a cultural change (Narang and Mittal, 2022). Waterfall is easily understandable and has a strong supportive structure but it is not very flexible (Senarath, 2021).

Evaluation of Software Programming Languages

Software programming languages are dependent on the project specifications as they hold varying suitability levels. Java and Python are general-purpose languages, both with powerful libraries as well as communities (Viduka et al. 2021). Although C++ provides high performance, it is on the other hand harder to learn in comparison to C (Zeng, 2023). Programming languages such as JScript are useful in improving web development interactivity but may not be appropriate for advanced applications (Lazuardy and Anggraini, 2022).

Explanation of Information Flow between Users and Products/Services

The information exchange between a user and a product or service is in the form of user input, system processing, and output (Schuetz and Venkatesh, 2020). Users communicate through interfaces, provide inputs, process the outputs from the application and coordinate and manage communication between interfaces

Task 2

Importance of System Implementation and Testing

Implementation and testing are carried out to make sure that the developed system is correct and satisfactory to the users. Implementation is a step where all the components are put in place whereas testing is the process of diagnosing a system’s flaws and making corrections for dependability and efficiency (Seyed-Nezhad et al. 2021). This process reduces the probability of failure in the development process increases the satisfaction of the users and proves that the system is adequate for its function.

Importance of Evaluating a System

It is very important to have the evaluation of a system in other to determine the efficiency, effectiveness, and convenience of a system as well as its compliance to the users’ needs. This process entails the evaluation of the performance of a particular system, the classification of areas that need improvement and Guaranteeing that the system delivers the intended benefits (Varajão et al. 2022). Evaluations applied continuously are used to maintain the relevance of the system, improving the satisfaction of the users as well as enabling us to direct improvements which would make the system stronger and better in the future.

Version Control

Version control is useful in determining changes that should be made to software releases and is essential so that developers may have a record of the differences made when working together. It permits the work of different teams in parallel, returns to the prior version and carries a record of all changes. This practice helps in improving the quality of the value-added codes, minimising integration problems and disparate development efforts for debugging and updating, besides provides a coherent route to development.

Importance of Software Support and Maintenance

It is important to clarify that application software often requires constant updates, bug fixes, upgrades and sustenance to continuously function optimally and give the user their money’s worth. Maintenance works on bugs ensure that different security mechanisms are enhanced and the system is based on the users’ needs and other technological advancements. Helping out is a key role in the support services in that it enhances availability as well as durability of the application to go on running while serving customers and is vital for the business continuity and users’ confidence.

Analysis of Relevant Laws and Regulations

It is essential to study the legislation in the activity’s field to meet the legal requirements and secure users’ information. Main regulations include the GDPR which addresses protection of data and user’s privacy and the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act which addresses protection of intellectual property. Such laws promote legal compliance in operation, maintain and increase users’ confidence in an organization’s operations, and minimize risks and consequences resulting from data leaks and other legal violations that may prove costly to an organization and detrimental to its users.

Task 3

A)

Principles of Positive User Experience

Positive user experience principles include navigation or flow, regularity, and sensitivity. Accessibility, proper use of colour, and avoiding user input are vital elements in developing a good interface (Jongmans et al. 2022). User control, or giving users decision rights in terms of choosing or selecting the information you want them to consume, increases satisfaction and feedback in terms of clear signs.

Positive and Negative Aspects of Interface Layouts

The benefits of positive interfaces are the ease of finding out how to navigate through the layouts, good hierarchy in designing the layouts and the general consistency of interfaces (Oulasvirta et al. 2020). Easy availability makes the usage of icons easy for people and well incorporation of the responsive design makes it easy to use by people with different devices. On the other hand, negative aspects are related to issues, such as layout uncertainty, even if it can be self-organized, non-uniform elements, and the lack of the correct contrast between colours, which makes users confused and frustrated (Terceiro, 2022).

Impact of User Interfaces on Processes

Interface elements have a direct influence on processes, in terms of productivity, quality and satisfaction of the users (Ferreira et al. 2020). The design of the interface means the tasks will become easier, there will be less chance of errors and the work will be faster through the inherent ease and clear vision of the screen layout. On the other hand, poor interfaces also result in complexity, thus, higher training costs and decreased operational effectiveness. Logical and unhampered design contributes to the enhancement of specific characteristics that define user experience to the extent favourable to the performance of business procedures.

Addressing Differing Needs of Target Audiences

To meet targets of different, one has to come up with interfaces that represent the various goals and objectives of the various target consumers with different skills and anticipations. Introduce the possibility of the features’ flexibility, describe the features and evaluate the site according to the accessibility. It is important to introduce feedback measures to collect information on the needs of users and redesign it so that it would be suitable for all the categories of users, besides enhancing the satisfaction of all users.

B)

Figure 1: Login Page

(Source: Python)

This page is used for logging in to the system to manage the client and Volunteer.

Figure 2: Dashboard

(Source: Python)

This is the main page or home page of the application. Through this page, the user can handle the client and volunteer and can see how many clients and volunteers have registered to the system. A scheduled appointment section and a meeting feedback section are also available for the client and volunteer.

Task 4

Development of User Interface Prototype

Figure 3: Client Registration Page

(Source: Python)

This page registers the client to the system. The client has to provide the name, address and phone number for the registration.

Figure 4: Volunteer Registration Page

(Source: Python)

This page registers the Volunteer to the system. The volunteer has to provide the name, address and phone number for the registration.

Figure 5: View Client Data

(Source: Python)

On this page, the admin can check the number of clients registered in the system.

Figure 6: View Volunteer Data

(Source: Python)

On this page, the admin can check the number of volunteers registered in the system.

Figure 7: Appointment Booking Page

(Source: Python)

Through this page, the clients and Volunteers can book a schedule for a meeting.

Figure 8: Meeting Feedback Page

(Source: Python)

Through this page, the clients and Volunteers can provide feedback related to the meeting.

Testing with End Users

End-user testing includes compiling feedback about the practical applicability, effectiveness, and efficiency of the application. It is a procedure for defining a course of action and discovering regions that should be optimized to meet the needs and expectations of the users. Incorporating usability tests and modifying them based on feedback received to make the final product of higher quality and more satisfactory to the users.

Evaluation of Product Usability

Usability testing determines how easily and efficiently the individuals get to their desired point with the aid of the application. This entails the assessment of the feedback received from the users, the determination of usability problems and the assessment of the success rates of specified tasks. Ongoing re-evaluation and refining make it possible to keep the application easy to use, fast, and optimally fulfilling the users’ requirements, thus improving user satisfaction.

Conclusion

This research also takes cognisance of the importance of adopting prescribed development frameworks, independent validation and suitability in the development of an effective Information Management System. It also increases operational effectiveness and achieves organizational objectives by being compliant as well as to avails system reliability by using SDLC models.

References

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