Essay on Computer Systems that are User Friendly, Efficient, and Effective

The first characteristic of a good requirement is that it is absolutely necessary. With today's fiscal constraints, there is rarely any room for nice-to-have, desired, or frivolous requirements. A requirement like "the gross takeoff weight of the aircraft shall not exceed 160,000 pounds" is imposed for a reason. It might be based on runway surface restrictions, deck restrictions on an aircraft carrier, or some other constraint. Another part of necessity is the need to solve a problem. For example, a requirement to have an individual ID other than a social security number was necessary for DoD's electronic medical record.( Crook, C. (1994)) While the SSN should have been enough, it turned out that there were too many errors and potential problems. The requirement must be accurate as to what the product needs to deliver. The normal source of information is the customer or end user. Only a knowledgeable user can determine if a requirement is correct. That's why having users and functional experts involved throughout the requirements process is a very good idea. It can save a lot of pain and wasted effort. Otherwise you are just guessing. Requirements must be unambiguous. Multiple readers should come to the same understanding of what each means. If a requirement can be interpreted more than one way, you are in trouble--chances are that the developer or builder will interpret it the wrong way. Terms like "user-friendly," "fast," "easy," "flexible," "state-of-the-art," "maximize," "minimize," or "efficient" mean different things to different people. Avoid them like the plague. Don't allow the customer or user to include them. Get a specific definition of what is really needed and get it in simple language. (Crook, C. (1994))

All requirements must be feasible, attainable, and achievable. These words are almost synonymous and, in this case, mean that the product can be produced with today's technology and with the time and money available...................

ESSAYS ON TECHNOLOGY