Why is user-centered development critical to successful systems development projects?
User-centered development is critical to projects because users are ultimately the ones who will decide if the system developed is successful. The usability of a system depends on if it is easy, efficient, and accurate. If a system isn't intuitive and easy-to-use, a user will get frustrated and lose interest in the system. No business wants to spend thousands or even millions of dollars on a project and have it fail because it is rejected by the user for its complexity. Whenever a project is being developed, it is critical to have user involvement throughout the process.
Efficiency and accuracy are also important components. Not only are these factors extremely important for business functions, but users also want systems to do tasks in a shorter amount of time and get the right information the first time. Approaching systems development centered on user requirements will give developers important knowledge of how users will use the system and what information they need to relay.
No matter how flashy or how 'cutting edge' a system has been created, it will not be successful is users don't accept it. In order to give users what they want, user-centered development is the method for creating user-friendly systems.
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Accepting Change
What aspects of the workplace might motivate people's acceptance of change?
For many people, Change is a scary unknown. While no one can stop Change, there are many things which can help make the transitions easier. In the workplace, transparency is often conflicted with politics but having honest communications will motivate people to accept change. Even if the business culture focuses on a top-down approach, people are more willing to accept changes when they are informed as to why and how the changes will be made.
Also, a supportive atmosphere is needed in the workplace. Being able to discuss their negative and/or positive thoughts to each other will help people to accept changes because they will be able to sort through their feelings. Despite not agreeing to new regulations or procedures, a person's negativity can be reduced simply by being able to voice their opinions.
As part of this support system, managers who take the time to listen to their employees' concerns can greatly motivate people to accept change. People need to feel valued, and part of that can be expressed when a manager allows people to be honest and open without the worry of repercussions. Even if nothing comes out of the conversation, just having their concerns heard goes a long way in helping people deal with changes in the workplace.
For many people, Change is a scary unknown. While no one can stop Change, there are many things which can help make the transitions easier. In the workplace, transparency is often conflicted with politics but having honest communications will motivate people to accept change. Even if the business culture focuses on a top-down approach, people are more willing to accept changes when they are informed as to why and how the changes will be made.
Also, a supportive atmosphere is needed in the workplace. Being able to discuss their negative and/or positive thoughts to each other will help people to accept changes because they will be able to sort through their feelings. Despite not agreeing to new regulations or procedures, a person's negativity can be reduced simply by being able to voice their opinions.
As part of this support system, managers who take the time to listen to their employees' concerns can greatly motivate people to accept change. People need to feel valued, and part of that can be expressed when a manager allows people to be honest and open without the worry of repercussions. Even if nothing comes out of the conversation, just having their concerns heard goes a long way in helping people deal with changes in the workplace.
Thursday, March 8, 2012
the IT Environment
How does the IT environment contribute to the success or lack of success in systems development processes?
The IT department is absolutely critical in the development of a system. IT handles all the necessary components of the technology (hardware, software, and programming) in order for a business to function. In regards to project management, IT is another aspect which needs attention during systems development. For them to make the right codes, they need to have a clear vision/understanding of what is required but this can be difficult because IT people are often very technical and may not agree with the users on what a system should include. This disconnect can contribute to delays or even dissatisfaction with the system.
However, IT can be a source for success because of their expertise. IT can make improvements to the user's suggestions and make the system more efficient or add values in ways which were not considered during the requirements gathering phase.
The IT department is absolutely critical in the development of a system. IT handles all the necessary components of the technology (hardware, software, and programming) in order for a business to function. In regards to project management, IT is another aspect which needs attention during systems development. For them to make the right codes, they need to have a clear vision/understanding of what is required but this can be difficult because IT people are often very technical and may not agree with the users on what a system should include. This disconnect can contribute to delays or even dissatisfaction with the system.
However, IT can be a source for success because of their expertise. IT can make improvements to the user's suggestions and make the system more efficient or add values in ways which were not considered during the requirements gathering phase.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Great Speech
What makes a speech great?
I listened to Mary Fisher's speech at the 1992 Republican National Convention. The speech is titled, "Whisper of AIDS", and I feel that it is one of the most important speeches I have heard.
The 5 criteria I used to give it the status as "a great speech" are:
Ability to generate emotional response
Paint pictures with words and phrases
Ability to connect to every level of the audience
Call for suitable action(s)
A positive message rather than criticism
Mary Fisher's speech brought awareness to America's tendency to isolate the AIDS epidemic to certain people. As a person out of the norm, her speech gave the struggle for AIDS a different perspective by insisting that it is a national issue, experienced by many people of various backgrounds. The words and phrases she used were absolutely loaded language but they were effective for the message that America needs to be compassionate and supportive to those afflicted with the disease. This is a great speech because I can still recall some of the emotions and thoughts from when I first heard it -- two years ago. Great speeches linger in the mind and make people reflect.
I listened to Mary Fisher's speech at the 1992 Republican National Convention. The speech is titled, "Whisper of AIDS", and I feel that it is one of the most important speeches I have heard.
The 5 criteria I used to give it the status as "a great speech" are:
Ability to generate emotional response
Paint pictures with words and phrases
Ability to connect to every level of the audience
Call for suitable action(s)
A positive message rather than criticism
Mary Fisher's speech brought awareness to America's tendency to isolate the AIDS epidemic to certain people. As a person out of the norm, her speech gave the struggle for AIDS a different perspective by insisting that it is a national issue, experienced by many people of various backgrounds. The words and phrases she used were absolutely loaded language but they were effective for the message that America needs to be compassionate and supportive to those afflicted with the disease. This is a great speech because I can still recall some of the emotions and thoughts from when I first heard it -- two years ago. Great speeches linger in the mind and make people reflect.
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