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Chapter 6
DB System Development:
Forms and Reports
1
Based on G. Post, DBMS: Designing & Building Business Applications
University of ManitobaAsper School of Business
3500 DBMSBob Travica
Updated 2015
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Forms = input and output screens
Reports = output screens & paper
The topic of forms & reports relates to building a DB system - user interface & “applications” (outputs that satisfy organizational information needs)
An important step in system development
Basic Concepts
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Uses of Forms
Collect Data
Display Query Results
Display Analysis and Computations
Switchboard for other Forms and Reports
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Human Factors Design(Recall knowledge of SA&D!)
User Control Match user tasks. Application responds to user
control & events. User customization
Consistency Layout design & colors Actions
Clarity Language used Graphical elements used Organization of elements
Aesthetics Symmetry, balance of
elements Shapes & colors
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Human Factors Design
“Forgiveness” Anticipation and correction
of errors Confirmation on delete and
updates Backup and recovery
Feedback to user Methods
VisualTextAudio
UsesAcceptance of inputChanges to dataCompletion of tasksEvents / Activation
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Graphical User Interface Standards
MS Windows Interface:Navigation and Choices
Mouse, Icons clicking Keyboard, Short-cuts Menus
Manipulation methods: Point & click Drag and Drop Touch screen
System feedback to user: Progress indicators and
status gauges Flashing Tool tips Status bar Message forms…
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Usability of User Interface
A special method within the human factors approach
Started at Sun Microsystems (Jacob Nielsen) Usability testing consists of measuring certain dimensions of user-
computer interaction while the user performs a task:
1. Navigation errors around a screen or across screens (menus’ links, menu form [pull-down, tabs], screen design (clickable icons) in using a new interface
2. Time on Task
3. Learning speed
4. Knowledge retention
5. Satisfaction (subjective, qualitative)
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The goal of usability testing is to identify problematic parts of user interface that need improvement.
Simple Usability Test
• Get the user use an important input of output screen
• Ask the user to speak aloud as s/he is working with the form
• Record errors in navigation, time on task, and user‘s comments
• Ask the user how s/he feels about working with that screen, and why so
• If you identify problems, that already is a finding
• Think of ways of eliminating problems – redesign; usability test can`t give solutions.
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Interface / Accessibility -Usability for Physically Challenged Persons
Recommendations based on empirical data:Beware of Red/Green indifference for some people
(avoid to base the meaning to be conveyed on differentiating these).
Avoid requiring rapid user responses.
Avoid rapid flashing on the screen.Give options to users (color, typefaces, fonts)
Make users feel in control (locus of control dimension)
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Windows Interface
Window componentsFrame (sizing)Title barControl-menu boxButtons
MaximizeMinimizeCloseScroll box (thumb)Scroll bar
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Message Box (A Simple Form)
Message Forms (“Boxes”) Title Message text Buttons Images
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Form Layout
Types of Forms Tabular Single Row Sub-forms (one-to-many) Switchboard
Controls Form Properties Form Events
Form
Order
11 Dog 5 7 Dog 113 Cat 2
Item
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Tabular Form Works best for single table. Designer can control data entry sequence. Probably include buttons for sorting.
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Single Row (Columnar) Form
Data for only one row. Legible Designer can set optimal
layout. Similar in appearance to
paper forms. Can use color, graphics, and
command buttons to make the form easier to use.
Note the navigation buttons
(consider implementing them)
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Sub-Forms Typically a one-to-many relationship. Subform contents are linked to the main form through a
common column (not displayed on the subform.) Can have multiple subforms (Independent or Nested).
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Switchboard Form
Role of main menu & sub-
menus.
Graphical elements (Logo)
Purposes:
Identify user
Choose Task -
serves as main menu
• Switchboard or Tab – it is the question now!
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Menu Design
1. Setup Choices
2. Data Input
3. Print Reports
4. Utilities
5. Backups
Main Menu
• Weekly Sales Reports
• Daily Sales Reports
• Friday Sales Meeting
• Sales Prospects
• Exit
Sales
Hard to understand More legible, organized by user tasks.
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Use of Forms for Query
Clerk enters a CustomerID.Stored in the Order table.
Query joins Sale and Customer.Automatically matches the
CustomerID.Matching name is displayed
on the form.Do not include the join
column (CustomerID) from Customer.
Customer Order
1234OrderID 7/25/01Date
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Controls on Forms (Basic)
Label Text box Option group
Toggle button Option button Check box
Combo box List box Command button
Picture Unbound object Bound object
Page break Tab control Subform
Line Box More controls
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