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Computer science from A to Z
U is for User
From electronic chips to specialised software, numerous elements contribute to the success of a computing tool.
But all these technical exploits count for nothing if they are not in harmony with their users: you!
Take a powerful, clear and easy-to-use piece of software. Provide appropriate reference documents and training. A guaranteed success? Not necessarily. Users may reject a program if it is not suited to their working environment.
This aspect is now taken into account in the design of computing tools. It is the task of interface experts to analyse the needs and working methods of users, then adapt the characteristics of the tool to make it easier to use and improve its performance. The crucial point is the interface via which the program communicates with the user.
These interface experts then get volunteers to test a prototype in order to study their reactions. If an interface is found to be too confusing, it is modified to give you total control over a complex tool!
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