Determining User Requirements for Systems for the Visually Impaired

Designing a new system for the visually impaired involves a multi-step process to determine user requirements. These requirements are usually determined through a number of data gathering and analysis techniques. The following steps will help establish the user requirements that are used to meet the needs of a system geared towards the visually impaired:

Step 1 - Establish a User Profile

Before the analyst begins deciding on data gathering techniques, it is important to establish a common user profile. This helps the analyst gain an understanding of what the typical user is like. In this case, obvious attributes like visual impairment would be included in the profile development.

Step 2 - Data Gathering

There are numerous techniques involved with gathering data to help establish user requirements. The two most effective methods for this proposed system include:

Interviews - These face-to-face questionnaires help obtain data directly from the user. An interview is an effective data gathering technique in this case because the expected user group is small. It will enable analysts to gain insight based on well thought out questions and allow for more exploration if needed.

Naturalistic/Ethnographic Observation - This form of group task analysis (GTA) allows for the direct observation of the day-to-day activity of the users. In this design, it can provide the most critical data in understanding what requirements the new system will need. The most effective method would involve the observer maintaining a low level of involvement to see how users interact naturally. This process can be treated as its own four step process to discover user requirements:

· Planning

· Field Study

· Analysis

· Reporting

The planning step refers to anticipation of the proposed study and the requirements for successful data gathering. The field study refers to the conducting of the actual observation where data is observed and recorded. Analysis and reporting will be discussed in the future steps.

Step 3 - Data Analysis

Once the data is obtained from the different gathering techniques, it is important to transform it into useful information that can be used to establish requirements. This step offers an opportunity to review and interpret the data. From interpretation, analysts should be able to begin recording and documenting descriptions of user requirements. Analysis is important because it sifts through relevant and irrelevant data as well as ensures accuracy through review. Once all the necessary requirements and interpretations of how the users interacted interact with their current environment are recorded, the final step can be taken.

Step 4 - Reporting

Reporting refers to the final decision making part of the user requirements process. The results of the interpretation, including descriptions of user requirements, are presented to management. The information is reviewed and final decisions are made on when and how to move forward. It is important that the information is presented in a clear and precise manner to aid in efficient and effective decision making.

Each one of these steps will help lead to establishing the most effective user requirements for the new system. More specifically, a system created for the visually impaired can benefit from these data gathering techniques. The end result of strong user requirements is a productive system.