Design & Implementation issues

Design considerations & Issues:

Lack of system complexity: The system has to be able to be learnt without the user perceiving the system to be too complex. The users must be able to form a conceptual modal of what they think the system should do. The user must be able to map between what they think would happen and what would actually happen.

As suggested by Donald Norman in "The Design of Everyday things"
"Visibility indicates the mapping between intended actions and actual operations"

Another important principle suggested by D. Norman is the affect of affordance on the user.
It is important within the design of the space that we do not mislead the user and that actions preform the required tasks.

The importance of the systems ability to be understood and provide usable information: The agent has to be understandable to all users even if they are visually impaired, hearing impaired and or speak another language. The system must be able to adapt to the users who is currently using the hub,whether they adapt to the disability or the language the option must be available.

Vandalism: An issue considered is the materials used and how users will precise the objects and materials used. A particular concern was the Hub, the hub will be made of clear glass/ or some form of durable plastic but this will lead the opportunity for people who wish to vandalise the space to graffiti the hub. There is no foreseeable way to prevent this from occurring at the moment.

Safety: Safety and providing a safe environment to the users is an important factor to the design of the space, due to the space being on two levels there have been various design additions that will help ensure the safety of the users. For example, Safety rails, ramps, warning signs (Visual), warning signals (Audio), and different types of surface (i.e surfaces used for the visually impaired to indicate raised or lowered surfaces)