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ICT 04 > 17. Users and Features of Database Solution > Flashcards

17. Users and Features of Database Solution Flashcards

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1
Q

What is a limitation of storing data in a simple text file?

A

A: It can handle only a small amount of data and usually lacks structure.

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2
Q

Q: What is one key difference between data and information?

A

A: Information is structured and meaningful; data may not be.

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3
Q

Q: How can structuring data into records and fields help?

A

A: It makes the data easier to understand and more useful, especially for human users.

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4
Q

the main
differences between between spreadsheet and database software are

A

Spreadsheets are easier to set up and understand than databases and many users will be
familiar with spreadsheet software.

Spreadsheets only support ‘flat’ files and do not support creating relationships between
different data files.

Database software is optimised to support large datasets with millions of records, which
would not be appropriate for spreadsheet software.

Database software typically includes sophisticated tools for data management and
manipulation, such as tools to search and sort data, which provide more features than those
provided in spreadsheet software.

Database software typically provides tools for creating end user applications including
forms to allow data input (and output) and reports to provide formatted output of
relevant data.

Spreadsheets are focused on single user access and although a spreadsheet can be shared
between several users, most database software is optimised for multi-user access.

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5
Q

Some of the applications that databases are used for

A

Stock control
Ticketing
Banking
E-commerce
Scientific research

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6
Q

Stock control

Q: Why is a database used in stock control?

A

A: To track quantities of items in stock and manage reordering when stock levels fall below a set threshold.

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7
Q

Q: Which industries commonly use databases for stock control?

A

A: Retail, distribution, and manufacturing.

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8
Q

Ticketing

Q: How are databases used in ticketing systems?

A

A: To manage bookings and coordinate available and booked seats, rooms, or tickets across different locations.

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9
Q

Q: Why is a central database important in booking applications?

A

A: So multiple locations can access and update booking information in real-time.

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10
Q

Banking

Q: How does the banking industry use databases?

A

A: To store and update millions of customer account records and transaction data globally.

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11
Q

Q: How does the banking industry use databases?

A

A: To store and update millions of customer account records and transaction data globally.

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12
Q

E-commerce

Q: Why is database software essential for e-commerce?

A

A: It stores product details, images, reviews, stock levels, customer information, and sales records.

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13
Q

Scientific research

Q: Why is data important in scientific research?

A

A: It helps identify changes and trends over time, such as those related to climate change.

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14
Q

Q: Give an example of how databases support scientific research.

A

A: By storing long-term weather data (e.g., temperature and rainfall) from many locations for climate studies.

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15
Q

DATABASE FEATURES AND USER REQUIREMENTS

Q: Name three universal features every database should have.

A

Ability to store large amounts of data with integrity and security

Minimisation of data duplication

Tools to add, modify, delete, search, sort, filter, and manipulate data

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16
Q

Q: Why is minimising data duplication important in a database?

A

A: It prevents wasted space and reduces the risk of inconsistent or outdated information.

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17
Q

Q: What could happen if a data item (e.g., customer address) is duplicated in a database?

A

A: Updates may not be applied to all copies, leading to errors and inconsistencies.

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18
Q

Q: How does avoiding data duplication contribute to database efficiency?

A

A: It ensures data accuracy, saves storage space, and simplifies data management.

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19
Q

What is the steps in determining the features of a database?

A

you will need to consider the following:

The data that needs to be stored.
The user interface.
The processing involved
Transactions.

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20
Q

The data that needs to be stored.

Q: Who provides information about what data needs to be stored in a database?

A

A: The users of the system.

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21
Q

Q: Why is splitting data into related tables important in database design?

A

A: To handle relationships, such as one-to-many (e.g., one class with many students), and avoid data duplication.

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22
Q

Q: What is the purpose of linking tables in a database?

A

A: To manage complex relationships between different data sets, like classes and enrolled students.

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23
Q

The user interface.

Q: What is the role of the user interface in a database system?

A

A: It allows users to interact with the database, either directly or through a separate application like a website.

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24
Q

Q: What might be needed for user interaction in systems where users access the database directly?

A

A: Screen forms and printable reports.

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24
The processing involved. Q: What is the purpose of finding and selecting data in a database?
A: To locate records that match specific criteria, such as finding available airline seats based on customer preferences.
25
Q: What tool is used to search and select data in databases?
A: Queries.
26
Q: Give an example of a database calculation in a customer order system.
A: Adding up item prices to calculate the total cost of an order.
27
Q: How might a database support management decision making or scientific research?
A: By calculating averages and statistics to identify trends and draw comparisons.
28
Q: How can a retail organisation use database reports for performance analysis?
A: By totaling sales from different outlets over time to compare performance and spot trends.
29
Transactions. Q: What is a transaction in database processing?
A: A sale involving multiple parties (customer, seller, bank), resulting in new database records.
30
Q: What happens when a sale is processed in a database system?
A: A new transaction record is created using data from the customer, product, and seller.
31
Q: Why are transactions significant in database systems?
A: They link multiple entities and ensure accurate record-keeping for sales and financial transfers.
32
EVALUATING DATABASE FEATURES Q: What is the purpose of evaluating a database?
A: To judge how well it meets user requirements and to identify what worked well or needs improvement.
33
Q: What must you understand before evaluating a database?
A: The specific user requirements for the database.
34
Q: What is a good starting point for a database evaluation?
A: Create a list of required features and assess each one.
35
Q: What should you assess when evaluating the design of a database?
A: Whether it has the correct tables, records, and fields to store the necessary data.
36
Q: What must be considered when evaluating if features work correctly?
A: Whether required features are present, function as intended, and match the application's needs (e.g., stock control functions).
37
Q: What aspects of user experience should be evaluated in a database?
Clarity and intuitiveness of menus and options Ease of use of features Accuracy and completeness of outputs (e.g., reports)
38
Questions you need to consider when evaluating databases
Does the design of the database support the required application? Does it have appropriate tables, records and fields to allow the required data to be stored? Does the database have the required features and do they work correctly? Is the performance of the features acceptable? For example, do they produce results in a reasonable timeframe? How is the user experience? Is it clear how the features work and how to use them? Are all the menus and options clear and intuitive ? Is the output provided by the features as expected?
39
ANALYSIS OF USER NEEDS Q: Why is understanding user needs important in IT application development?
A: Because it ensures the system meets the actual requirements and functions effectively for the users.
40
Q: What are three key methods used to gather user requirements?
Observation Document analysis Interviews
41
Observation Q: What is one benefit and one drawback of using observation to gather user requirements?
Benefit: Allows you to see how users interact with the current system. Drawback: Time-consuming and may miss rarely performed tasks.
42
Document analysis Q: What is the purpose of document analysis in gathering user requirements?
A: To review existing forms, spreadsheets, or IT documents to understand current processes and data.
43
Interviews Q: What advantage does interviewing users provide?
A: It allows for asking detailed questions to clarify processes and ensure full understanding.
44
Q: Why is it best to use a combination of methods for gathering user requirements?
A: Because each method complements the others and helps fill in gaps or confirm findings for a more complete understanding.
45
USER CHARACTERISTICS Q: Why must a database system be appropriate for its users?
A: Because users need to interact with it effectively, regardless of their IT skills or background.
46
Q: Why is IT literacy important when designing a user interface?
A: Users with limited IT skills need simple interfaces with clear instructions and support.
47
Q: How can designers support users with lower language or literacy skills?
A: By using simple, clear language and understandable error messages.
48
Q: What characteristics should be defined for a target user group?
A: Age, IT skills, language, and literacy levels.
49
Q: Why is accessibility important in database design?
A: To ensure the system works for all users, including those with disabilities.
50
Q: Name one way to improve accessibility in user interface design.
A: Use simple layouts, readable fonts, color contrast, screen reader compatibility, etc.
51
A few examples of how you can improve accessibility
using colours with sufficient contrast for text and backgrounds in the interface to make them clearer for users with visual impairments providing keyboard shortcuts to select menu options so users who can't use a mouse can still navigate menus using input forms with clearly defined borders around text fields to make them easy to see. All input boxes on forms should be clearly labelled providing clear and consistent navigation options, such as a back button to take the user from a submenu to a main menu.
52
USER EXPERIENCE What is it
how a user experiences their interaction with a system
53
DATABASE DESIGN AND USER CHARACTERISTICS he design features of the database user interface that need to be considered
Interface type. Interface characteristics. Complexity. Use of language. Compatibility.
54
Interface type. Q: What are the two main types of user interfaces?
A: Graphical User Interface (GUI) and Text-Based Interface.
55
Q: Who is best suited to use a text-based interface?
A: Expert users who are familiar with command syntax.
56
Q: Why are text-based interfaces not suitable for all users?
A: They require knowledge of command syntax and are difficult for users with limited IT skills.
57
Interface characteristics. Q: Why is a professional-looking interface important?
A: It improves usability and creates a positive perception of the product's quality.
58
Q: What design elements affect readability in a user interface?
A: Colours, typefaces, and text sizes.
59
Complexity. Q: What is a risk of a complex interface with many buttons, menus, and options?
A: It may confuse users and make the interface look overcrowded.
60
Use of language Q: What should the language in a database application match?
A: The names and terms that users are already familiar with.
61
Q: How can you ensure compatibility across different browsers?
A: By testing the application with all commonly used browsers.
62
USER EXPERIENCE AND DATABASE DESIGN Q: What is UX design?
A: UX design stands for user experience design and focuses on creating an application that is easy to use and provides a positive experience.
63
**Interface design** Q: Why is good user experience important in web and mobile apps?
A: It encourages users to return regularly, which supports marketing and promotion of products.
64
key points about designing an interface for users are
The design should be user centred The design should be consistent There should be a hierarchy in the layout of the interface with the most important or most often used buttons or menu items Users should be provided with a way back.
65
Q: What does it mean for a design to be user-centred?
A: It means the design is based on the needs and behavior of the user, putting them at the heart of the design process.
66
Q: Why is consistency important in interface design?
A: It helps users learn and navigate the interface more easily by using familiar layouts, colours, and icons throughout.
67
Q: Why should users be provided with a way back (e.g. “Back” or “Cancel” button)?
A: To help them recover easily from navigation mistakes and return to their previous location.
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**Ease of use.** Q: What does ease of use depend on in interface design?
A: It depends partly on the target users' level of IT skill.
69
aspects of interface design that will help make it easier to use for anyone.
Clear labelling. Predictability Keep it simple. Organised content. Efficiency. Appropriateness of features. User help. Compatibility. Stability. Data accuracy.
70
Appropriateness of features. Q: Why must database features be appropriate?
A: Because missing or unnecessary features can result in a poor user experience.
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Q: How should a database support users with little IT knowledge?
A: By including tool tips, help buttons, and detailed on-screen instructions.
72
Efficiency. Q: What does "efficiency" mean in a database application?
A: It refers to how easily and quickly users can complete tasks, especially frequent ones.
73
User help. Q: How should common tasks be designed in the user interface?
A: They should be the easiest to find and require the fewest steps to complete.
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Q: What is a key requirement for help content in a database application?
A: It must be understandable for the target user group.
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Compatibility. Q: What is a key compatibility requirement for web-based database interfaces?
A: They must work effectively across different browsers.
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Q: Why should a database interface adapt to different screen sizes and orientations?
A: To ensure usability across devices like desktops, laptops, tablets, and mobile phones.
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Stability. Q: What is the main risk of an unstable database application?
A: Users will become frustrated and lose confidence in the system.
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Q: How can developers maintain user trust in a database application?
A: By ensuring the application is stable and thoroughly tested before release.
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Data accuracy. Q: Why is data accuracy important in a database?
A: Because incorrect calculations or data can lead to errors and poor decisions.
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USER CHARACTERISTICS AND INTERFACE FEATURES
look at pg 140
80
Evaluating the effect a database will have on the user experience Q: What should an evaluation of a database application consider besides UX requirements?
A: The characteristics of the actual or target users.
81
Q: What is used to define evaluation requirements if users are not specifically known?
A: A user profile based on the target audience.
82
Q: Why is user experience evaluation important in database design?
A: To ensure the application meets user needs and is easy to use.

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