IT302-Unit6A-
Kaplan University

Part1 – Introduction. The approach I used in unit 5 was a generic design which is flexible in nature with a basic layout planned so it can be easily molded, or modified to fulfill a variety of needs or applications. The wireframe associated with the design is shown without a supporting structure. The associated structure will be dictated by its application and placement. Part 2. WIMP. WIMP is an established approach that has become commonplace in its usage with and basic functionality on kiosks. The term WIMP stands for windows, icons, menus and pointers which are the primary objects used in the presentation of data to the customer or client and the means to communicate with the system. The term was coined by Merzouga Wilberts in 1980 that was part of the working group at Xerox Parc that ultimately developed the Graphical User Interface under the guidance of Allen Kay (Charlotte). Although still used, the term “WIMP” is slowly being overtaken by newer approaches and standards. As stated by Allen Kay, "We've taken the WIMP interface as far as it can go," he added, referring to the Windows-icon-mouse-pull-down menu” (Laurie, 1995). The first and most possibly the largest single item that the user sees is the monitor. Not only is it the most visible item we see whether the kiosk unit is handheld or free standing, it is the device that we depend on most for our visual interaction with the kiosk. From it we receive a variety of information, ranging from instructions on use to displaying how we are interfacing with it. Through the use of various icons, symbols, menus and written choices it provides us with the information or service that we seek. At the same time through the use of many of the same types of items it allows us to make choices, provide information that is needed and conduct a variety of activities that otherwise would involve perhaps waiting in line for someone to assist us and still need to take additional actions to reach the conclusion we seek. In some ways the kiosk that we depend on most is our computer at home, a laptop, tablet, smart phone of other similar device. These items are used for a broad spectrum of activities which range from finding information, shopping, paying bills or making appointments to researching information and other almost limitless activities, or as the expression goes ad infinitum. With the possible exception of text the most visible items we are exposed to on the monitor is normally an icon or a series of icons. The icon is a functional device represented by a symbol on the screen that helps to simplify our usage of processes or devices and improve the speed at which we are able to accomplish certain tasks. With a single keystroke we are able to respond to a question or series of directions ranging from answering a question to following a complex set of instructions. The icon can provide a simple means to complete a reasonably complex task by completing a simple action. Through the use of either a mouse or most likely a trackball installed in the kiosk we are able to move the cursor to the selection of our choice and select it with a keystroke. By using icons we can be routed through a series of complex actions to the activity that we seek. Also by using icons we are able to take the steps needed to accomplish a task. It can be very broad in range. From banking, ordering needed items; making appointments, to a broad variety of tasks we are able to complete almost limitless activities. The use of icons can simplify our lives as long as we learn how to properly understand them and how they function. These can be applied in many ways, from selecting almost any key from the keyboard if it is programmed that way or by moving an arrow or some other symbol over the icon and selecting it with a keystroke or clicking a key on the mouse. Along as we know how to use it or have proper instructions the world is at our fingertips. Menus are an important part of any kiosk or computer controlled operation. They are available in two main forms. One can be a button that is operated on the kiosk or on a keypad and the other arguably more customary form being to use a key or symbol on that is displayed on the monitor and activated using the keyboard, mouse or trackball. The menu is our guide to using the kiosk. Through it we are directed in the using the menu and what results we can expect. It provides us with a means to understand what we are doing and what to expect. The menu system is an integral part of the systems in the kiosk. Through it we are able to gain information and an understanding of how the kiosk works and how to use it. It also provides us with an abundant selection of choices of how to perform the activities that we to use to reach our goals. Without some form of pointers we would be normally stuck in trying to accomplish what we are trying to do. While we could use the arrow keys on the keypad, this would be an impediment to the smooth flow of selecting the objectives we desire to accomplish by using the kiosk. The other side of this is the instances when pointers are used by the kiosk and displayed on the monitor to assist the consumer in making choices, understanding information and accomplishing our goals. In the wireframe that I designed my goal was to provide a basic scheme that could be adapted to a variety of uses and locations ranging from a counter or table to a stand alone kiosk. One of the areas of discussion that weren’t covered by the course was the need to meet the ADA requirements that are required. One of the key features is the up/down switch on the left side. The purpose of this switch is to allow adjustment of the kiosk up or down within a certain range to meet the needs of handicapped individuals while still being convenient for use by non handicapped consumers. In addition to the primary items that are identified there are accommodations for a variety of controls for various uses and room to allow the addition of controls required for convenience by handicapped individuals as well as simply provide additional controls for consumers. Although not part of the class assignment provisions to meet the ADA requirements would be added as part of the final design. Part 3. Other Components. Lists are another component that may be readily incorporated into the design of the kiosk. By using listboxes and/or comboboxes additional information may be available using a minimum of space on the face of the kiosk. Instructions on how to employ any requisite controls needed to comply with ADA provisions could be provided using a list type of component along with various other instructions or uses. A variety of controls will most likely need to be added to provide full use of all the abilities of the kiosk. While activities could be controlled via instructions through a keyboard, which may be a vital part of the kiosk, there are many actions that can be selected by the simple pushing of a command button. If additional actions are required or there needs to be provisions to select a variety of actions, as long as they can be accomplished by a single keystroke command buttons are the controls of choice. If a series of instructions are needed, or the action taken can vary then a toolbar or palate button may be the ideal choice. These can include a significant variety of actions selected by one of the many choices they can be designed to offer. This could be an ideal choice to replace the lower four command button in the wireframe. In addition to any information that can be displayed on a monitor or simply to display information if a monitor can’t be used, the logical choice is a scrollbar, splitter or other similar display device. The choice of which is the best to use is based on the desired objective or result. If the issue can be resolved or answered by a single response or action, then the scrollbar would be the display component to use even if the response is complicated or lengthy. With its ability to scroll through a lengthy response yet take up minimal room on the kiosk it well may be the proper selection. For more complex responses, particularly where the subject changes or the response deviates from a previous task, then a splitter may be needed to provide sufficient scope to accomplish the task. By adding a tool container to the kiosk the designer has the opportunity to simplify a variety of tasks. Toolbars are located in a convenient location on the kiosk, generally at the top or bottom. The toolbar includes buttons or icons that are suitable for use by the consumer to complete a task or tasks by selecting the appropriate buttons of icons as needed. For ease of use these are generally located above or below the main screen on the kiosk, whichever is deemed more comfortable. If a toolbar is not adequate to fulfill the needs of the kiosk, then a tool palette may be the device of choice. It can be designed to present the user with a selection of tools that should fill most needs. Ideally it will be configured so that it is in a easy to use location no matter what may be occurring on the kiosk itself. If this does not suffice it can also be designed to be allowed to be moved to a well-located portion of the screen as needed

Reference Charlotte, B. Alan Kay and the Graphical user interface. Retrieved from http://www.lottiebooth.com/pdf/essay.pdf (Charlotte) Flynn, Laurie (January 1, 1995). wimp window icon point&st=nyt&pagewanted=2 "The Executive Computer; When, Oh When, Will Computers Behave Like People?". The New York Times (New York). Retrieved December 14, 2011. (Laurie, 1995) Artifice, Inc. DesignWorkshop (1998). The tool palette. Retrieved from http://www.artifice.com/support/user_guide/documents/tools_ref/dw_tool_palette.html Edwards. (1988). The design of auditory interfaces for visually disabled users. Retrieved from http://citationmachine.net/index2.php (2012, 07). Are Kiosks an Invaluable Component of Today's Information Age?. StudyMode.com. Retrieved 07, 2012, from http://www.studymode.com/essays/Are-Kiosks-An-Invaluable-Component-Of-1040427.html

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