PACT Analysis and Prototype Design for Interactive System - Coursework Example

PACT analysis and prototype design for an interactive system Several steps are involved in system analysis and design which are always accompanied with lots of challenges but for experienced developers, this may not be hectic. This article has focused on Shared Student Shopping System (SSSS). Students living in shared accommodation can really benefit financially, from combining their grocery orders and ordering online but almost never do, because it is too complicated to combine orders, collect the payment from each student and arrange for delivery when someone is available. The first object is to make it as user-centered as possible system as possible. PACT - People, Activities, Contexts, and Technologies- is acknowledged as a beneficial framework for thinking about a design scenario in relation to a very interactive system (Lloyd, 2005). Undertaking a PACT analysis would be valuable for both analysis and design operations; understanding the situation at hand, finding where possible improvements can be done and envisioning situations in future. With PCT analysis one is able to gather all the research on target end users and scope out of the variation of various people, contexts, activities, and technologies possible in context. Depending on the analysis, one can develop concrete and clear scenarios of how target users would be interacting with the Shared Student Shopping System. PACT analysis findings are represented below: People The people involved currently in this kind of system are basically students who are on session at various institutions and are being accommodated in institution’s hostels or any of the institution accommodation premises. A part from students, institution workers may not be left out because at times they are found with students purchasing groceries at various kiosks. In as much as the employees can as well benefit from this system, major end users who are to benefit are the students. At times controlling pocket money becomes a problem and a student may be left wondering what next after he or she has spent all the money and still needs to survive. Dedicating a grocer to supply groceries at times is challenging due to consistency issues which may leave the customer unsatisfied and very annoyed (Neeraja, 2011). Coming up with a system that can satisfy both parties can be of great relief since every party would benefit accordingly. An institution normally has students with different abilities; it is within this population that one hardly misses a disable student. Whenever building a system that target particular users, all factors should be considered that would accommodate every user regardless of ability status. Age is also another factor when developing a system, the system should not have a lot of decorations that not only attract kids, but repels adult users as well. The system should be built in a simple manner that an adult of student age can understand easily and be attracted to come back use the system. The system functionalities are supposed to solve student problems and no other irrelevant features that the student may not use in whole of his or her college life time. It can be a great risk if a system is built and dedicated to serve only in one language. This should be avoided since most institutions admit students from oversees who do not understand language being used. In other words, language should be well taken care of in terms of providing variety of options that can be used. Activities Currently, students go to the kiosks to buy items manually minus any platform that can enable them do so. This involves the student and the grocer meeting one on one to buy and sell. For some, this mode is outdated and they feel that technology can do all the transactions in such a way that purchase can be done at the touch of a button (Harrington & Weir-Daidone, 2013). Another hectic load comes when the seller needs to account for balance in case the buyer is eligible for the same. This poses a challenge when the grocer has to handle a lot of buyers who need to be attended to. In cases where house is shared, the online ordering step is done by all the tenants since they have to part with their choice of preference from similar user account and eventually log out as a group. This process entirely involves these stages to be considered complete: browse for product, chose items, book a slot for delivery, feed in personal details and then finally the details of payment. Context of use: Generally, this transaction occurs at anytime, anywhere in the course of the day in an interior set-up such as the room or any other enclosed environment. This environment should at least have an access to the internet in form of a computer or an Android enabled cell phone. The transaction becomes even cheaper when Android enabled cell phones are mentioned in the context; this is regardless of environment or time (Shaw, 2010). Socially, this activity does not necessarily require privacy and this enables it to occur in a group of cohabiting students that need the system services at the same time. In an organization context, the system is ecologically developed since all the items are listed online and because the delivery mode is done through use of one vehicle for approximately 20-30 consumers, availing their orders right at their door step. Due to its nature, this system can only be used in a manageable or small geographical locality. For instance, it would be irrelevant for a customer to make order to a grocer who is in another state. Delivery may be futile since a lot of resources shall have been used. Current Technology A dedicated computer in form of a server should be installed to see the logic take place. Certain user information is needed to be feed into the server such as the names, payment details, address and any relevant information that can have the system work efficiently; this necessitates for an input platform such as the keyboard for desktop users and soft keyboard for Android phone users. The details provided that the user is comfortable with the device and he or she inputs the correct data. Generally a full computer set is essential in this procedure to have the data input, screen navigation as well as item selection. Proper internet connectivity is vital since it is the connection link between the user and the dedicated server. The system administrator will always give updates via the address given by user and the user views it on the screen of whichever gadget is in use. Besides adopting such a system, another mode is to make use of Google’s point of sale though it will require the users to be sensitized on its use (Wise, Hauser & Vault, 2007). Future Technology: Technology is ever evolving and this system cannot be built on the basis that it won’t need improvement; in fact any system that has been built minus a slot for future improvement should not be adopted at all cost. The system can have an app that is specifically dedicated for it and can be installed across several platforms without errors. This needs no much explanation bearing in mind that innovations are introduced on a daily basis. Another improvement can be done depending on user feedback regarding the system; this may involve addition or deletion of wanted or unwanted features. To make it a bit interesting, the system can have a reminder functionality that reminds the customer of delivery before the track reaches doorstep. The system can also have a slot where Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) just in case the system goes out of sync and the user simply needs an inquiry or placing an order. Observation In order to understand how users act when different scenarios present while ordering items online, is necessary to use process mapping criteria. Direction image The activity is initiated the moment an authorized user makes a shopping list depending on the available items. A problem already exists since there is a system that is in place and it does not allow for multiple user transactions using the same account. A student making an order online In addition, the impractical order sharing mode seems frustrating for students who dedicate a lot of time to other things a apart from groceries. Another issue noted at the observation is time of delivery. Not all group members consume the same products at the same time, fact that may mean that others have to wait for others in order for group delivery to take place. Another observation was the issue of one particular individual effecting the payment to mean that responsibilities may be unequally distributed. Whenever the person responsible for paying is committed then this can further complicate issues when it comes to settling bills. Consumer paying for order In summary, all that has been observed in the sharing scenarios, this kind of system needs an overhaul to serve the needs of consumers. Secondary Research According to market research, all supermarkets have hugely invested in e-commerce applications in order to avoid losing customer due to remote technology. There are system such as mySupermarket which was developed to meet user needs by use of attractive user interface and much functionality. mySupermarket Just like other systems, this system does not offer a solution to a joint online purchase but offers some features which can enable a user compare prices between retailers since the items are of variety. With features such as these, shopping for groceries online becomes an easy and pleasant activity, even for those who use the site for their first time (Jipping, 2007). Apart from checking out as a group, shared order option, these are the main features that the interface prototype should incorporate. In addition, the new design will stimulate customers to conceptualize and deduce website structure in a friendlier manner. Subsequently, customers will be focused only on undertaking their shopping, even if they share the order or not. Bibliography Lloyd, L. (2005). Best technology practices in higher education. Medford, N.J: Information Today. Neeraja, K. P. (2011). Textbook of communication and education technology for nurses. New Delhi: Jaypee Bros. Medical Publishers. Harrington, C., & Weir-Daidone, E. (2013). Student success in college: Doing what works! : a research-focused approach. Shaw, J. (2010). Shopping: Social and cultural perspectives. Cambridge: Polity Press. Wise, C. C., Hauser, S., & Vault (Firm). (2007). The college buzz book. New York: Vault. Jipping, M. J. (2007). Smartphone operating system concepts with Symbian OS: A tutorial guide. Chichester, England: John Wiley & Sons. Read More