Building the Design Building the Design Framework and User Framework and User Interface for an EPSSInterface for an EPSS

Dr. Pam Northrup

University of West Florida

Orientation

• Crafting an EPSS

• Establishing a framework for design

• Constructing the User Interface

The EPSS

• Information

• Advice

• Learning Experiences

• Tools

Why EPSS?

• Day-One Performance

• Just-in-Time Support

• Support for Every Day Performance

Benefits of EPSS

• Enhanced productivity

• Reduced training costs

• Increase worker autonomy

• Increased quality due to uniform work practices

– (Kavat, 1997)

The Design Framework

Focus: Producing Task Focus: Producing Task PerformancePerformance

• Rapid Prototyping (Jones, Li, & Merrill, 1992)

• Prototyping (Tripp & Bichelmeyer, 1990)

• Iterative Design (Witt & Wager, 1994)

The Initial AnalysisThe Initial Analysis

• Who does this serve?

• What tasks must be performed?

• What tools will the performers require to perform tasks?

• In what type of environment will users work to perform the tasks?

Design Framework ModelDesign Framework Model

As components of the EPSS are As components of the EPSS are defined, more detail emergesdefined, more detail emerges

Constructing the User Interface

The Metaphor

• Should attach meaning to tasktask and performanceperformance

– LINK TO STEPS -- view Metaphor of book

Aviation TrainingAviation Training

NavigationNavigation

• Minimize– travel– depth– redundancy

• Direct Access

• Random Access

Interface Elements

• Background

• Windows/Panels

• Buttons/Controls

• Images

• Text

• Video

• Sound

• Animation

Screen Design IssuesScreen Design Issues

• Balance• Message Design• Alignment to Grid• Consistency• Common

Elements/Features

• The overall task performance

• Mental modeling

• flexibility

Functionality

ScaffoldingScaffolding

• Scaffolding is characterized as a process used to allow unprepared learners to view an expert performance of a task

• Cognitive “Training Wheels”

• Example

Typically, the user interface won’t be able to support desired

performance by itself. It will need scaffolding to assist users.

Closing

• Use varied design strategies including rapid prototyping to assist in the design of the EPSS product

• Develop a user interface that is functional

• Navigation must parallel the task structure itself

• Scaffolding must be embedded to support desired performance.