User Interface Requirements for FBI Fingerprint System
Goal
Ensure that the system reflects the functional needs of its users as well as good human factors interface design.
Challenges
- Existing system in place that users were already familiar with had badly designed interface
- Users' mental mindsets had aligned with old system even though it was not particularly user friendly
Solution
Cognitive's approach was to:
- Review functional requirements for what the new system was supposed to do
- Conduct structured observation sessions of users working with the existing system to log types of areas, functions with high percentage of errors, etc.
- Interview current users to gather usability requirements, "wish lists," and identification of hardest areas to learn
- Compile findings to design prototype screens that took the system to a new level of usability
- Document user interface requirements and design decisions and standards
Cognitive Value Added
Cognitive Technologies provided the right specialists to augment Next Century's team:
- Experienced human factors consultant to make and document design decisions and standards
- Skilled user-centered requirements engineer to conduct observations and interviews
- Graphics artist to translate prototype sketches into representative screens that could be used to quickly build the prototype.