Use of Information Technology in Theater - Assignment Example

Use of IT in theater Name Institution Date Use of it in Theater Introduction Information technology is increasingly becoming part of the daily lives of the people. Information technology concepts are being used on a daily basis to simplify different tasks. This is through automation of tasks that used to be performed manually. In order for the tasks to be automated by information technology, a proper design is required and the task at hand should be understood fully (Davenport, 2013). Information technology has a lot of advantages as it reduces the cost of doping the activities together with reducing the time taken to perform the tasks. The paper thus discusses how information technology can be used in theater. Stage 1 User’s need for the website During the process of purchasing the tickets at the theaters, most of the people have to queue or use agents to obtain the tickets. This is a tedious process as the queuing discourages most of the people from purchasing the tickets. Purchasing the tickets manually is also a complicated process and it lacks accountability. Loss of tickets means that the audience cannot be compensated and cannot enter the theater. Users, therefore, need a website that will enable them to purchase the tickets online and avoid the inconveniences of queuing. This means that the tickets can be purchased from anywhere as compared to visiting the theater or using agents. They can also cancel the tickets online and be refunded their money. The need for agents will be eliminated as the customers will be able to purchase their tickets directly from the website of the theater. This will be convenient to the users as compared to the existing queuing system. User profiles The persona in most cases does not represent the real facts about the users or a particular population (Schwalbe, 2013). A majority of the users in the market usually find it easy to use the computer and the internet. This group of persona will find it easy to purchase the tickets online. On the other hand, it is also important to note that a majority of the theater goes are not comfortable with the procedures that are in place for purchasing the tickets and this affects their purchase behaviors. This group of persona will also be comfortable with the use purchase of tickets through the website. Booking a ticket The process of booking a ticket is a complicated process in most of the theaters. Most of the tickets are usually distributed by the agent and anyone interested has to visit the offices of the agents. They have to pay at the offices of the agents and be issued with the ticket. In some instances, the customers may also visit the theater where the ticks may also be available and purchase it before being allowed to watch. All these methods involve queues as a number of people are usually present. The process may be complicated as it may attract long queues depending on the movie. Requirements for the website The website has to show the trailers of the movies that will be shown at the theater. The time together with the cost for each of the movie should be indicated on the website. It should also provide the means of payment that will enable the customers to pay directly through the use of the website. All the terms and conditions should be highlighted in at the website. The procedure of booking the tickets will also need to be highlighted in the website so as to provide information to the users. Second stage Conceptual models A conceptual model involves the description of how a system is organized and operates (Venkatesh, et al, 2012). In the web-based ticket reservation system, two conceptual models will be used. The interface metaphors will be used for the purposes of visualizing and conceptualizing the operations. This involves surfing the web and selecting different icons. The interaction type will also be used to create a relationship with the users. This is because of its ability to issue commands and selection options. Conversing will form part of the relationship with the relationship the users. The other activities that will be supported by the models include manipulation and exploration. Prototypes Task of buying the tickets The system should be able to solve the problems of the users in order for it to be considered effective. Instructions will be used for the purposes of ensuring that the users are able to interact with the system during the process of purchasing the tickets. The instructions will be used to tell the system what to do like the selection of the movies. Conversing will also be carried out during the process of purchasing the tickets. This will involve engaging in different search activities. Manipulation will also be involved in the process as it will play an essential role in enabling the users to select different items on the website. All the activities will provide a feedback to the users during the process of purchasing the tickets. Stage 3 Standard tasks The development of standard tasks will plays an essential role in ensuring that the demands of the users can be met (Wu, et al, 2012). During the process of purchasing the tickets, the users may be required to carry out different activities. Some of the users may be in need of two seats and will have to book two tickets. In order to purchase the two tickers, the users will be required to enter their details as just like the ordinary procedure. They should however enter the number of tickets that they intend to purchase and each ticket will have its own unique code number. A message will then be sent to the user through their mobile phones to show that two tickets have been purchased. Informed consent form An informed consent is required for the purposes of testing the prototype. The following is an introduction explaining why the prototype is being tested: With reference to the testing of prototypes, permission is being sought for the testing to be conducted. The purpose of testing the prototype is to establish the efficiency of the system and determining its level of satisfying the users. On the other hand, the testing of the prototypes is important in ensuring that recommendations are made regarding the system and hence promoting its effectiveness. The process is important in terms of the monitoring and evaluation process. Testing by colleagues Three colleagues who are typical users will be provided with the personal prototype and asked to carry out the testing process. The three colleagues will be required to utilize the empirical user testing. The testing by the colleagues will be useful in identifying any weaknesses in the system. Each of the colleagues will have to come up with results of their test. The testing by typical users is important in determining the changes that needs to be carried out if any. All the colleagues will also be allocated the same amount of time to carry out the test in order to determine its effectiveness among the typical users. Problems encountered by the colleagues The problems that were encountered by the colleagues were minimal due to the effectiveness of the design process. However, all the colleagues found some weaknesses in terms of navigating through the system. The colleagues noted that the system was slow respond in some of the instances. On the other hand, some of the search processes are slow and hence affecting the effectiveness of the use of the system. The problems encountered by the colleagues are common problems for most of the websites. However, since the website is being used for business purposes, improvements have to be made in order to ensure that the users are not inconvenienced. Heuristic evaluation A heuristic evaluation plays an essential role in determining the usability problems in the user interface design (Avola, et al, 2013). The user control will be used for the purposes of improving on the efficiency of the system. The human limitations will be part of the heuristic evaluation in order to deal with the human limitations like overloading that may contribute to a slower response. The concepts of simplicity will be part of the heuristics for the purposes of ensuring that the system is easy and effective to use. This will play an essential role in ensuring that the users are not inconvenienced. Accuracy will be considered during the evaluation to ensure that the errors are reduced. Conclusion In conclusion it is evident that the design of the web-based ticket reservation is important to the theater. The system will play an essential role in improving on the efficiency of the system. The needs of the users will be considered through the use of two different models. It is evident that the process of purchasing the tickets will be simplified through the use of the system. The user evaluation through empirical testing plays an essential role in determining the presence of the weaknesses in the system. The results of the evaluation will be useful in making improvements to the system. References Avola, D. et al. (2013). Design of an efficient framework for fast prototyping of customized human–computer interfaces and virtual environments for rehabilitation. Computer methods and programs in biomedicine, 110(3), 490-502. Davenport, T. H. (2013). Process innovation: reengineering work through information technology. Harvard Business Press. Schwalbe, K. (2013). Information technology project management. Cengage Learning. Venkatesh, V. et al. (2012). Consumer acceptance and use of information technology: extending the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology. MIS quarterly, 36(1), 157-178. Wu, J. et al. (2012). A study on the fabrication method of removable partial denture framework by computer-aided design and rapid prototyping. Rapid Prototyping Journal, 18(4), 318-323. Appendix Interview questions 1. How often do you go to the theater? 2. What is the procedure used in purchasing the tickets? 3. Is the method convenient to the theater goers? 4. Do you have any negative experience with the method? 5. Will the use of technology help in improving the process of ticketing? Read More