AS Level ICT

Design of outputs

Outputs determine inputs and processes

• Because computerized data management systems work in a linear way (i.e. Input > Process > Output), it would seem obvious that a designer would work in the same way

• However a client’s priorities are the system’s outputs, not the processes it uses to achieve them

• Likewise, the client will see the inputting of data as a necessary evil to achieve the required outputs

Outputs determine inputs and processes

• Therefore, a designer may find that working backwards from the outputs will often enable them to more easily match the client’s requirements

• It could be said that in these circumstances outputs determine processes, which in turn determine inputs

• It therefore follows that a designer would be well advised to look at the outputs a client requires before looking at the processes and inputs they will need

What outputs are required?

• Outputs can come in many different formats including:– On screen displays– Hard copy printouts– Audio outputs (i.e. sounds)– Transmitted information

• The output format will also determine the hardware required (e.g. hard copy printouts will require a printer; audio outputs will require speakers)

Designing outputs

• Once the type of outputs needed has been determined, the design process of those outputs can begin

• There are some basic rules that must be followed when designing certain types of outputs

• For example, important information on websites, presentations, invoices, spreadsheets etc., is always displayed in the top left-hand corner

Designing outputs

The organisation’s logo has been placed in the top left-hand corner of the webpage

Designing outputs

The ‘Home’ button has been placed in the top left-hand corner of the navigation bar of the webpage

Designing outputs

In almost every example, the organisation’s logo and address are in the top left-hand corner of the document

Designing outputs

• It is also important to ensure that the sequencing of information follows a logical pattern (e.g. putting the slides in a presentation in order so that a slide leads on to the next in sequence)

Designing outputs

• When designing a website, it is a general rule that each individual page should be created so that it can be viewed – quickly and without distortion – by a visitor who is viewing it using the lowest level browser available, on the lowest screen resolution, and using the slowest Internet connection

• They should be able to find what they are looking for on the website using a maximum of three mouse clicks

Questions to answer when designing outputs

• What does the client want?• What do the users need?• Do the outputs meet industry standards?• Are they user-friendly?• What hardware will be needed to produce the

outputs?• What processing will be required to produce the

outputs?• What inputs will be required by the processes

needed to produce the outputs?

AS Level ICT

Design of outputs