ICT2621
Assignment 3
2025
, ASSIGNMENT 03
Question 1: User Interface Design
Total: 21 marks
1.1 As a systems analyst, when designing systems, one of your goals should be
to build systems that are effective, reliable, and maintainable. Briefly explain each
of these three factors. (9)
An effective system is one that meets user requirements and performs its intended
functions accurately. This means that the system must deliver the correct output in
response to user input and support business goals. For example, an inventory
management system is effective if it correctly tracks stock levels and prevents duplicate
entries.
A reliable system consistently performs without failure under expected conditions.
Reliability is essential for user trust, especially in mission-critical systems such as
banking or healthcare. This involves eliminating bugs, testing thoroughly, and ensuring
system stability even under peak load conditions.
A maintainable system is easy to update, debug, and improve over time. This includes
clear documentation, modular programming, and use of standard design principles that
allow future developers to understand and work with the code. A maintainable system
reduces long-term operational costs and ensures adaptability to new requirements
(Shelly & Rosenblatt, 2012:347).
1.2 What is Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)? (3)
Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) is the study and design of how people interact with
computers and technology. It focuses on improving the usability, accessibility, and
efficiency of systems by considering user behavior, interface design, ergonomics, and
cognitive psychology. In systems analysis, HCI helps ensure that interfaces are intuitive
and user-friendly, minimizing user errors and training needs (Shelly & Rosenblatt,
2012:344).
1.3 What are the seven habits of successful interface designers? (7)
Assignment 3
2025
, ASSIGNMENT 03
Question 1: User Interface Design
Total: 21 marks
1.1 As a systems analyst, when designing systems, one of your goals should be
to build systems that are effective, reliable, and maintainable. Briefly explain each
of these three factors. (9)
An effective system is one that meets user requirements and performs its intended
functions accurately. This means that the system must deliver the correct output in
response to user input and support business goals. For example, an inventory
management system is effective if it correctly tracks stock levels and prevents duplicate
entries.
A reliable system consistently performs without failure under expected conditions.
Reliability is essential for user trust, especially in mission-critical systems such as
banking or healthcare. This involves eliminating bugs, testing thoroughly, and ensuring
system stability even under peak load conditions.
A maintainable system is easy to update, debug, and improve over time. This includes
clear documentation, modular programming, and use of standard design principles that
allow future developers to understand and work with the code. A maintainable system
reduces long-term operational costs and ensures adaptability to new requirements
(Shelly & Rosenblatt, 2012:347).
1.2 What is Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)? (3)
Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) is the study and design of how people interact with
computers and technology. It focuses on improving the usability, accessibility, and
efficiency of systems by considering user behavior, interface design, ergonomics, and
cognitive psychology. In systems analysis, HCI helps ensure that interfaces are intuitive
and user-friendly, minimizing user errors and training needs (Shelly & Rosenblatt,
2012:344).
1.3 What are the seven habits of successful interface designers? (7)
