Instructor Notes Module 11: Designing the Presentation Layer

Instructor Notes Module 11: Designing the Presentation Layer Introduction This module teaches students how to develop user interfaces that are user- centered and usable. They will learn about various presentation technologies, as well as how to validate their design through prototyping and usability testing. Additionally, they will learn about the two pieces of the presentation layer — the user interface and the user services — and how to design them. After completing this module, students will be able to: ! Determine the appropriate user interface metaphors for the business solution, taking into account the target audience, business requirements, and future-state usage scenarios. ! Design a user interface that accommodates user needs and business requirements and that incorporates the appropriate user interface controls for the interface metaphors selected. ! Create a low-fidelity visual representation of a user interface initial design. ! Determine the user services — validation, navigation, and error processing — required for a user interface to a business system. Materials and Preparation This section provides you with the materials and preparation needed to teach this module. Materials To teach this module, you need the following materials: ! Microsoft ® PowerPoint ® file P11_1608a.ppt ! Module 11, “Designing the Presentation Layer” ! Activity 11.1, “Experience with User Interfaces” ! Activity 11.2, “Creating an Initial User Interface Design” ! Activity 11.3, “User Interface Technology Selection” ! Activity 11.4, “User Services Design” Presentation: 90 Minutes Activity: 70 Minutes 2 Instructor Notes Module 11: Designing the Presentation Layer Preparation To prepare for this module, you should: ! Read all the materials for this module. ! Complete the activities. Instructor Notes Module 11: Designing the Presentation Layer 3 Activities Activity 11.1: Experience with User Interfaces In this activity, you will facilitate a discussion that focuses on the user interfaces that the students use every day. The students have an opportunity to consider the design of the interfaces from the perspective of users. After completing this activity, students will be able to: ! Articulate the aspects of user interface design. ! To prepare for the activity 1. Complete the activity yourself. 2. Prepare some questions to ask the students to stimulate a class discussion. Activity 11.2: Creating an Initial User Interface Design This activity provides students with the opportunity to design a user interface in a group setting. It also provides them with the opportunity to consider user feedback and user assistance issues. After completing this activity, students will be able to: ! Create an initial design of a user interface. ! To prepare for the activity 1. Complete the activity yourself. 2. Prepare some questions to ask students to stimulate a class discussion. Activity 11.3: User Interface Technology Selection In this activity, you will facilitate a discussion that focuses on the various issues associated with selecting client-side technologies and how the user interface might be influenced by technology selection. After completing this activity, students will be able to: ! Articulate the issues associated with selecting user interface technologies. ! To prepare for the activity 1. Complete the activity yourself. 2. Prepare some questions to ask the students to stimulate a class discussion. 4 Instructor Notes Module 11: Designing the Presentation Layer Activity 11.4: User Services Design In this activity, you will facilitate a discussion that focuses on the issues associated with designing the user services of a business application. After completing this activity, students will be able to: ! Articulate issues of designing user services. ! To prepare for the activity 1. Complete the activity yourself. 2. Prepare some questions to ask students to stimulate a class discussion. Instructor Notes Module 11: Designing the Presentation Layer 5 Module Strategy Use the following strategy to present this module: ! Application Presentation Layer This section introduces the concept of a presentation layer consisting of the user interface and the user services. Note that for many designers and developers, this division into interface and services will be a new concept. Be sure the class understands the difference before moving forward. ! User Interface Design Basics This section provides an overview of the basics of good user interface design. Explain to the class that this is just that — an overview — and that the principles presented here may benefit from further self-study if the student is not experienced or proficient in interface design. Especially emphasize the “Designer’s Questions” and “Characteristics of a Good Interface Design” slides because they provide excellent guidance beyond the scope of the class. ! Activity 11.1: Experience with User Interfaces This discussion will help students focus on the primary principle of user interface design: design for the user. Use this discussion to gauge how students are thinking about the design process, especially user interface design. ! User Interface Design Process This is an overview of the various pieces and steps of the interface design process. While students will be familiar with the elements presented (such as windows, menus, and controls), they may never have considered such issues as proper feedback to the user and user-friendly help. Emphasize that the task of the designer is to see the application from the viewpoint of the typical user, not from the viewpoint of the experienced designer. Also emphasize that designers must use the concepts and metaphors of the user when designing an interface. Additionally, emphasize the importance of basing the design on the use cases and other artifacts developed earlier, as well as the importance of involving the user in the design process, including final validation. ! Activity 11.2: Creating an Initial User Interface Design In this activity, students work in small groups to design an interface for the consultant to use when entering his or her timesheet information. The directions are deliberately vague, so that each group can explore different designs and issues surrounding those designs. During the discussion that follows the activity, create a class consensus design. ! Selecting the Client Environment This section provides an overview of the various types of client technologies available and the considerations for each. You should be able to move through the discussion fairly quickly. 6 Instructor Notes Module 11: Designing the Presentation Layer ! Activity 11.3: User Interface Technology Selection This discussion highlights the technology options available when developing computer-based user interfaces. ! User Services Design Basics This section moves from the user interface to the user services. As noted previously, some designers and developers may have difficulty differentiating between the two layers. This section should help clarify any confusion. Emphasize the importance of modularity in this area because it makes it possible to change the user services without changing the interface (and vice versa). Again, the “Designer’s Questions” slide provides excellent guidance beyond the class. ! Activity 11.4: User Services Design This activity allows students to practice some of the concepts of designing the user services layer of a business application. . discussion. Instructor Notes Module 11: Designing the Presentation Layer 5 Module Strategy Use the following strategy to present this module: ! Application Presentation. should: ! Read all the materials for this module. ! Complete the activities. Instructor Notes Module 11: Designing the Presentation Layer 3 Activities