3.2.1 - Designing solutions to problems

3.2.1 - Designing solutions to problems

1. 3.2.1a - Importance of good interface design

   • The interface is what is visually presented to the user; essentially how the user interacts with the system
   • User friendly interfaces are those that make it easier for the user to understand them
   • What makes a good interface:
     • Effective, effcient and satisfying
     • Input and Output data accurately
     • Makes best use of facilities available to the program
     • Increase the rate of productivity
     • Program is easy to learn

2. 3.2.1b - Different types of interface

   • There are several types of commonly used interface:
     • Input screens
       • Takes into consideration the user. Age, computer literacy etc.
       • The layout usually makes use of all the space, doesn't clutter items together and grouping is done using headings
       • Order is usually left-to-right and top-to-bottom.
       • Data should be validated whenever it can.
       • Any GUI objects made should help to reduce errors
       • The interface should keep the user informed of progress
     • Data Capture Forms
       • Layout should

3. 3.2.1c - Data Requirement

   • It needs to be made clear what data is needed for a program when it is written
     • The Data Dictionary can be produced in order to make checking for completeness of data easy. It includes:
       • The identifier of the variables or fields
       • The data type or structure
       • The size of the data
       • Any validation that is necessary

4. 3.2.1d - Modular top-down design

   • In Modular Top-Down design, the task that the program needs to perform is divided into smaller subtasks. These tasks are then split even further.

5. 3.2.1e - Step Wise Refinement

   • The process of breaking a solution into smaller subtasks is called stepwise refinement

6. 3.2.1f,g,h - Algorithms

   • Algorithms are the steps needed to solve a given problem within a computer program
     • As a flowchart:
       • Terminator - Circular Rectangle
       • Process - Recentagle
       • Input/ Output - Rhombus
       • Decision - Diamond
     • Pseudo-code is a way of describing an algorithm with text. It looks similar to that of an actual spoken language

7. 3.2.1i - RAD

   • RAD stands for Rapid Application development. It involves producing successive prototypes until the final version is produced.