Pact Analysis And Prototype Design Information Technology Essay

Pact Analysis And Prototype Design Information Technology Essay The given report is based on the PACT analysis and prototype design for an interactive system. In respect to this, the paper introduces an initial non-functioning prototype interface for the interactive system for the selected design problem. The design problem selected for this interactive system is scenario 2. This problem is related with getting information about visiting places and eating, as in this city, Emily has faced problem in accessing expert knowledge and using Google maps mainly because of unavailability no local leaflets, paid advertising links, etc. As such, the design report reflects the PACT analysis and includes observations supporting this analysis. Further, it also includes secondary research as well as reflects feedback for initial design. All in all, an interactive system design for this design problem will be helpful in giving effective and relevant knowledge to the visitors about visiting and eating. PACT analysis is defined as a user requirement document that is used for a more detailed design brief. This analysis is a way of reflecting about people, activities, content and lastly technology (PACT Analysis). Each and every element of this analysis would be quite helpful in developing an effective interactive system that supports the users in accessing the local map. People reflect cognitive with physical characteristics, language, culture, etc. and other aspects. Activities indicate about actions and tasks including activities that support the new design. The third aspect is the context to use focuses on information about environment with acceptability of new design in relation to social, legal and ecological. Lastly, technology focuses on current technology and future technology to asses the problem in existing technology and type of technology, which will be used to solve out this technical issue. In relation to the given design problem, PACT analysis is conducted to make the information accessible to visitors. People: In this activity, people involved are senior team members, IT engineers having a good knowledge about hardware and software technical areas, graphic and interactive design experts and research team. There is a special requirement for IT experts and research team as both affect the designing of the interactive system. The special requirement for Information Technology (IT) expert is due to the reason that they have possessed a practical technical knowledge about software and hardware. Research team members have great domains in programming, visual design and cognitive psychology. The age range for each and every person involved is different. For the senior team members, the age range is in between 35-50 years. They can play a decisive role in building an interactive environment through solving behavioural issues. All in all, senior members can build up a good coordination among the members to effectively communicate ideas. Further, team members between 20 and 30 include those, who have innovative ideas and support in completing the tasks. IT engineer, graphic engineers and research team members are between the age range 30 and 45. In developing an interactive system, they can support in the designing of prototype and non-functioning prototype interface. In the current scenario, language is a great issue as visitors have faced problems in assessing the local knowledge due to unfamiliar language. Activities: To design an interactive system, the users have to perform activities that furnish long and in-depth information to the visitors. Additionally, they have to design a system in such an effective way that not only supports the visitors in searching local knowledge about the worth visiting and eating through providing database, but also works as a tool that freely intercommunicates knowledge to the visitors. Those activities must possess special characteristics like system should be easy to use, fast, and efficient. The new design will support in completing the activities like designing of interface, which is self teaching and also assists in gaining access to relevant and worthwhile information. Context to use: The features of the current context are that the presentation of local knowledge was not good in this city. Besides that, the system is not quite fast and effective with which it could be easy to assess the information. The environment would be stressful as the existing system was not responsive to the needs of the users. The new system needs to be used quickly through providing training in relation to the technical issues and ways to implement and maintain. In the designing of an interactive system, it is a must to focus on the needs of society, so that the society can be able to accept this system. For the new design, ecological and social acceptability affects the system at a great extent as both play a vital role in making the system user centric. Current technology: Technology is one of the determinative areas of concern as it directly affects the system design. Currently, notice and language are used as technology to respond to the needs of the users in a fast and efficient way without focusing on its ease to use. All in all, the current technology to serve local knowledge is mainly based on the systems functionality instead of visitors needs. This is a major problem in the current technology. Besides that, the current technology does not reflect the local attraction in the station and thus; visitors have faced a great problem in knowing places for visiting and eating without any guide. Future Technology: To solve this problem, the technology that could be used must focus on the users needs and also possess the characteristics of easy to use. Furthermore, books and signs are an effective technology that could be applied to cope with this problem as this will be helpful for the users in accessing knowledge about the local attractions of the particular city. Hardware helps the visitors that are looking for new attractions through informing and assisting in searching worth visiting places, whereas; software helps in making the database of local attractions in a city and also maintaining the speed and efficiency. This technology might provide opportunities like easy to access information within few minutes. Besides that, this technology might also give information about local attractions on mobile phone at low costs. For offering more functionality in the new system, new technology like books and signs might give an opportunity to attract number of visitors and also mee t visitors needs by assisting in keeping away the problems related to access expert knowledge. Observations supporting the PACT analysis Based on the above discussion about PACT analysis, it is inferred that this analysis is a quite effective tool with which it could be easy to assess information in a more detailed form. Besides that, it is also reflected that PACT analysis not only focuses on the specific requirements, but also indicates key point that are quite essential for evaluation. For instance: information about people helps in knowing people involved in the tasks. Furthermore, I have learned that for designing an interactive system, this analysis is highly effective as this helps in realizing the current situation and also reflects the areas for improvement, so that the new system can easily cope with the perceived problem. All in all, it is realized that PACT analysis is an effective tool to understand the users needs and amend the system according to the users acceptability. From the observations supporting the PACT analysis, it is learned that in this rapidly changing technological world, it is a must for an interactive system design that each and every aspect including people, activities, context and technology is properly assessed. With this, it would be easy to design a system that gives local knowledge of what is worth eating and visiting in a particular state. In addition to this, these observations will support in assessing the required changes that make the user interface effective in respect to functionality and users needs. Overall, PACT analysis is a tool for cooperative research, which acts as computer-aid-engineering for sharing and developing design model automatically. In the same concern, it is also observed that PACT analysis for an interactive system should also consider the communication as this meets out the issues like speed and bandwidth. In addition to this, observations will greatly assist the web designers in knowing about the users context, goals and tasks that directly lead in supporting the PACT analysis. With the observations, it could also be easy to assess whether the design prototype assists the goals and tasks in an effective way (Sharp, Rogers and Preece 2008). All the given observations in relation to the support of the PACT analysis were quite useful as they helped in getting relevant information about activities, context and technology. In response to the observations, the design visualization will add such a technology that gives a full and clear picture of area for improvement and also focuses on usability that makes visualisation easy to understand. Besides that, I will add more pictures, maps, signs, etc. as well as apply design strategies related to user interface. To make design visualisation effective, we will add all types of analyses including users, requirements and tasks. Thus, it is inferred that PACT analysis for an interactive system must be human centric, so that the required information can be easily extracted by the users. Secondary research Secondary research is one of the effective researches with which it could be easy to find out the solutions in context to the chosen scenario. This is because potential solutions linking with such issues are already reflected by other researchers. In helping the design of an interactive system, secondary research is quit useful as this research gives detailed information about the tourism and environment in context to the ecological, cultural, economic and language issues. Besides that, in design/visualization, secondary research will help in finding out the user requirements that are essential to design interactive system. In this context, Jones and Greene (2000) state that in the interactive system design, it is a must to foster creative perception, users and use context. The interesting idea that helps in developing the design is We view good system design as a three-legged stool. The legs are: 1) Understanding of technology, 2) Understanding of the users and the context in which the system will be used, and 3) A creative insight (Jones and Greene 2000). This means that a good system design is highly based on the proper knowledge and understanding of the users and technology as this is the only means to provide local attraction information to the visitors. It is also assessed from secondary research that for an effective design/visualisation to provide a guide to the tourists, it is a must to focus on the computing technologies with wireless infrastructure in order to provide the required information about the worth visiting sites. In support to this, Cheverst et.al state that The system combines mobile computing technologies with a wireless infrastructure to present the city visitors with the information tailored to both their personal and environmental contexts (Cheverst et.al). With this, it is analysed that for developing an interactive system, technology should be related with the users requirements. To make the design effective, another interesting idea proposed by Wober (2003) is that the designing of interactive system has to be supported with a marketing decision support system to assess the information about the prevailing users demand and current technology (Wober 2003). . Based on the above reflected potential solutions for the selected scenario, it is inferred that secondary research is good means as this research refers to the information that has been collected and properly analyzed by other researchers in context to the same issue. Feedback on the Design Visualisation In respect to the design visualisation, most of the users have reflected that this is a good system through which users can easily access the information of local destinations as this not only provides them with the database, but also helps them communicate in relation to various issues related to environment. This system would help in getting information about the worth visiting and eating sites, so that visitors can spend their time and money in an efficient way. As per their feedback, they would expect to see mobile networking with which they can access information on global maps on their mobiles at a lower cost. After looking at visualisation, most of them have the same question that whether this system is easy to use and will be helpful in fulfilling their needs. In response to the feedback, I would like to focus on all key dimensions such as technology, context and users. In addition to this, I would like to change the technology such as books, pens, notices, etc. to make the s ystem easy to use for the visitor. Besides that, I will implement mobile networking to change the design as most of the potential users highly require this technology in the interactive system.

Comparing An Occurance at Owl Creek Bridge and The Snows of Kilimanjaro :: comparison compare contrast essays

An Occurance at Owl Creek Bridge and The Snows of Kilimanjaro. Death is an intriguing thing. From time immemorial we have feared it, used it, pondered it. Frequently, stories allow the reader into the minds of those immediatly surrounding the one who will die; but all of us "will die." Our morbid interest is in dying, the going, that threshold between death and life. What happens there? There are similiarities and differences in how death appears to the protagonist, written by Ambrose Bierce in An Occurance at Owl Creek Bridge, and Ernest Hemingway in The Snows of Kilimanjaro. Bierce offers An Occurance at Owl Creek Bridge to show the incredible fantasy that passes through the mind of a man as he dies. Hemingway's engrossing description lies in The Snows of Kilimanjaro. Here, on the African savannah, a man encounters death slowly and with excruciating lucidness. While the differences between the two stories are easy to enumerate, it is the simliarities that may offer the most insight into the minds of the authors and, perhaps, into the minds of us all. The setting for An Occurance at Owl Creek Bridge is northern Alabama during the Civil War. Peyton Farquhar (Peyton) is said to be a planter who is left behind by the Confederate Army due to circumstances "...of an imperious nature," but he longs for the "release of his energies, the larger life of the soldier, the opportunity for distinction." Immaturity seems the watchword for him; the eagerness with which he swallows the bait presented by a Union spy may give a glimpse of the lack of gravity in Peyton's character that leads to his capture and to the fantastic attempt at escape or denial that his mind fabricates just before his death. Peyton is not a realist. Harry is a realist. The protagonist in The Snows of Kilimanjaro faces his pending doom with distinct clarity and resignation. In fact, his insistance greatly distrubs his wife (naturally) who tries to cheer him up by telling him that help is only a day away, and all that is needed to make it is a positive attitude. Harry is positive. He is certain that he will die very soon. He knows the mistake that has sealed his fate. Although he would change the past if he could, he does not seem to lament his end except for the writing he will never do.

Multiculturalism In Canada: The benefits of a multicultural society Essay

Canada is a very interesting country, mainly due to its diversity. The weather in Canada can be both freezing and very hot. Some land is rocky and mountainous, while other places are composed of flat, rolling hills. And in Canada, you can find many different races, from Asian to Latin, African to Indian. Canada is the most multicultural country in the world, and a lot of Canada’s development and success can be attributed to immigrants coming into Canada (Samuda, 1984). Yet not all people agree that multiculturalism has had only positive effects on Canada. There are some drawbacks that are due to Canada’s policies on immigration and multiculturalism. However, by examining key points and facts concerning multiculturalism in Canada, it is evident that Canada’s policies on multiculturalism have had mainly positive effects on Canadian society. Canada was the very first country in the world to introduce a multicultural policy (Satzewich, 1992). In 1969, the Royal Commission on Bilingualism and Biculturalism heard many ethnic spokespersons argue that Canada should adopt the idea of a â€Å"cultural mosaic†, where different cultures would each contribute to Canada, making the country unified through each culture’s uniqueness. This was a different concept than the United States idea of a â€Å"melting pot†, where there would be many different cultures, yet they would all have â€Å"American values†, which would be the main factor that united them as a country. The Royal Commission agreed with this proposed policy, and presented it to the Government of Canada. Two years later, the policy was accepted while Pierre Elliot Trudeau was Prime Minister. In 1982, the policy became law, which helped to settle any racial and ethnic problems (Satzewich, 1992). In 1997, the Department of Canadian Heritage restructured the federal Multicultural Program. The renewed program worked towards three main goals: identity – fostering a society in which people of all backgrounds feel a  sense of belonging and attachment to Canada; civic participation – developing citizens who are actively involved in shaping the future of their various communities and their country; social justice – building a nation that ensures fair and equitable treatment and that respects and accommodates people of all origins (Internet Site, http://www.communication.gc.ca/facts/multi_e.html). The Multicultural Policy in Canada states that all people are equal, and can participate as a member of society, regardless of racial, cultural, ethnic, or religious background. Multiculturalism strives to preserve people’s cultural identity, while at the same time ensuring that common Canadian values are upheld (Reitz, 1980). Canada’s policy on immigration has changed over the years, reflecting societal views and economical conditions. Yet no matter how much the policy changed, the effects of this policy are very evident. Close to 10% of the adult population of Canada are visible minorities, and this amount is expected to double within the next twenty years (Satzewich, 1992). Visible minorities are â€Å"persons, other than Aboriginal peoples, who are non-Caucasian in race or non-white in colour† (Employment and Immigration Canada, 1987). This means that the immigrants coming into Canada are not only from European descent; rather, they are coming from other continents, such as Africa, South America, and Asia. Before 1961, 90% of the immigrants coming into Canada were of European descent. Yet in 1981, Europeans only constituted for 25% of the immigrants coming into Canada (Satzewich, 1992). This means that 75% of immigrants coming into Canada in 1981 were from Asia, South America, etc. It is obvious that Canada’s policy on multiculturalism has had a profound effect on Canada and its people. However, does this mean that multiculturalism in Canada has had a positive effect on society? Many will argue that Canada would be better off without its lenient attitude towards immigration and multiculturalism. There are several negative factors that are attributed to Canada’s multicultural policy. One of the main reasons why people believe that Canada’s multicultural policy does more harm  than good is because it creates racism. By putting many different races together, all of which have different cultural and value differences, acts of discrimination and racism are bound to occur. Also, some immigrants bring with them histories of conflict in their home countries to Canada, which leads to  problems that could include violence, hatred, and discrimination (Bibby, 1990). Rather than unite Canadians, these factors would only divide Canadian society. Another main reason as to why some people view multiculturalism in Canada negatively is because it creates confusion and misunderstanding. Many people that come to Canada know only their native tongue, and their own countries rules and laws. Being introduced to Canadian laws, language and customs can prove to be quite the challenge. A third reason as to why not everyone supports multiculturalism is because of the fear of eroding traditional British heritage. Canada has close ties to its mother-nation Britain, and many believe that by allowing immigrants of different ethnic backgrounds into the country, the link between Canada and Britain will only weaken (Satzewich, 1992). These are all examples of downsides to Canadian multiculturalism, yet there are many benefits that result from multiculturalism as well. The benefits of multiculturalism in Canada make up for the drawbacks. One of the downsides to multiculturalism was that it leads to racism. However, one of the positive effects of Canada’s policy is that there is, over time, less racism. This is due to the fact that once many different ethnic groups have been living with each other for some time, they begin to understand each other more, and therefore feel closer and more connected to each other (Samuda, 1984). This results in less racism and prejudice towards one another. Another positive effect is that since there are many different cultures living with each other, people will benefit because they will learn more about different races, and will develop a greater understanding of the  cultures around them (Samuda, 1984). For instance, a Hindu who only knows his own religion and way of life will see the way that other races live, and therefore his knowledge about other religions, countries, values, etc. will grow. This in turn allows the Hindu to have more freedom, because he now sees other ways of living, and can choose however he wants to live. This is a very important aspect of Canadian society: the ability to live freely, and to choose whatever religion and way of life you want. Another positive effect that multiculturalism has had on Canada is that Canada is now a country so diverse and so rich in culture, that there are now vast amounts of ideas, opinions, and lifestyles to explore. Without multiculturalism, Canada would not be so rich in art and cultural traditions (Samuda, 1984). All of the above benefits that multiculturalism has had on Canadian society are important, yet the main positive effect that multiculturalism has had on Canada is that it has basically shaped Canada into the country that we now know it as today. Without Canada’s multicultural policy, not very many immigrants would be coming to Canada. And without immigrants, Canada’s population would be very small, and its economy weak. Immigrants that come to Canada are beneficial to Canadian society because: they  pay taxes, create jobs, and they add to Canada’s economy, among other things. Immigration into Canada is the main reason as to why Canada has become a successful country (Reitz, 1980). Evidently, Canada has benefited from its multicultural policies, in particular its policies towards immigration. However, what is society’s attitude towards immigration? Back in the early 1900’s, foreigner’s were mostly seen as inferior. They were not treated the same as white people were (Bibby, 1990). So the question that should be asked is why were so many immigrants even allowed into Canada, if they were not wanted there? They were allowed to come simply because Canada needed workers. An easy solution to the increasing demands for labourers in Canada was to allow immigrants to come into the country to work (Bibby, 1990). After a few decades, these  immigrants had contributed a large amount of their time, work, and money to Canada, and their efforts were not left unrecognized. This was around the time when Canada’s Multicultural Policy was composed, and later put into effect. Attitudes towards multiculturalism and immigration in Canada changed significantly while Canada’s economy was expanding after World War II. Canada needed workers, and many flocked into Canada, only this time, not all were labourers. Many were professors and well-educated people, whom were fleeing their home country, coming to Canada as refugees (Satzewich, 1992). Over the next few years, Canadian attitudes towards multiculturalism became more welcoming, while the last racial and ethnic barriers to Canadian immigration were removed. With immigrants mainly moving into large cities in Canada such as Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal, cultural diversity was becoming increasingly evident in these major urban areas (Satzewich, 1992). Most immigrants moved into large cities because of two reasons: work was easier to find, and other people of the same ethnic background as them would be living there as well. Today, 90% of foreign-born Canadians live in one of Canada’s fifteen largest urban centers (Reitz, 1980). Over the years, attitudes towards multiculturalism and immigration have changed, with many people now recognizing the benefits of a multicultural society. People are now looking towards the future, trying to see what effects multiculturalism will have on society within the next few decades. Of course, Canada’s policies towards immigration and multiculturalism will be affected by changes in social values and the economy over the next few decades. Throughout history, it is evident that immigration into Canada becomes more open and welcome when there is a need for a larger labour force (Bibby, 1990). No matter what policy is put into effect, one thing remains clear: the more Canadian society becomes culturally and racially mixed, the greater the need for tolerance and acceptance for one another as fellow Canadians. A multicultural policy that  meets the needs of both long-time residents and the newly arrived will prove to be the most successful policy (Samuda, 1984). After reviewing this information about multiculturalism in Canada, one can clearly see that multiculturalism is an important aspect of Canadian society, and society has benefited immensely due to Canada’s policies towards immigration and multiculturalism. While there will always be negative opinions towards multiculturalism in Canada, the majority of Canadians recognize the importance of Canada’s multicultural policies, and support them in their entirety (Bibby, 1990). Because Canada’s population is composed of so many different racial backgrounds, the future of Canada depends on the commitments of all its citizens to a strong and unified Canadian identity, while still keeping their own culture and unique way of life. As it does so presently and as it has done so in the past, multiculturalism will continue to benefit Canadian society, making the quality of life better and more fulfilling to all Canadians. Bibliography 1)Bibby, R.W. (1990). Mosaic madness: The poverty and potential of life in Canada. Toronto: Stoddart. 2)Employment and Immigration Canada (1987). Employment Equity Act, Regulations and Schedules. Ottawa. 3)Reitz, J.G. (1980). The survival of ethnic groups. Toronto: McGraw-Hill. 4)Samuda, Ronald J. (1984). Multiculturalism in Canada: Social and Educational Perspectives. New Jersey: Prentice Hall. 5)Satzewich, Vic (1992). Deconstructing a Nation: Immigration, Multiculturalism and Racism in ’90s Canada. Toronto: Fernwood Books. 6)Internet Site: Facts on Canada: Multiculturalism in Canada. http://www.communication.gc.ca/facts/multi_e.html, Minister of Public Works and Government Services, 2001.

A Critical Analysis of Mother Night by Kurt Vonnegut

A Critical Analysis of Mother Night The novel Mother Night by Kurt Vonnegut is the fictional memoirs of Howard W. Campbell Jr., an American, labeled as a spy, who moved to Germany in 1923 at the age of 11, roughly five years after the First World War was over, and then later became a renowned playwright and Nazi propagandist. The action of the novel is narrated by Campbell himself. The plot is that he is recording his memoirs on a typewriter, while awaiting trial for war crimes in an Israeli prison. The story of Howards life, although fictional , is proof of the hardships that many people experienced during this historical time period, many of which can be related directly back to the author himself as he also served during the war. This novel can be considered a reflection of his own interpretations and experiences into a fictional text. From a New Historicist perspective there are many references to real world characters which played a key role in the development of the First and Second World War with th e interpretation of the author’s opinion towards these characters a new historicist can analyze the work through its cultural context and understand the intellectual history through the story itself. A New Historicist’ aim, when reading a fictional text is to use the author’s interpretation of that time period and related experiences as a guideline to understanding the true historical context of that time. Compared toShow MoreRelatedThe Life and Writings of Kurt Vonnegut Essay2248 Words   |  9 PagesKurt Vonnegut is celebrated as one of the most successful novelist in the Post-Second World War period in the America. His literary works have had varied impacts on American culture, including the use of the word â€Å"karass† amongst college students, the naming of the pop groups â€Å"Ice Nine Kills† and â€Å"The Billy Pilgrims†, and the frequent use of the term â€Å"So it goes† as written in Vonnegutâ⠂¬â„¢s obituary on the New York Times (Farrell, p.ix). This article examines the impacts of Vonnegut’s on his literaryRead MoreAlice Malsenior6001 Words   |  25 Pagessharecropper and the youngest of eight children (Bates, Alice Walker: A Critical Companion). Alice’s father had always taken education very seriously in an era where the schooling of black children, especially black females, was very rare. Nevertheless, Willie enrolled his young daughter in school at the age of four where she was then able to skip two grades up to first grade due to her intellectual potential (Bates, Alice Walker: A Critical Companion). Though it may seem like Alice’s father was unorthodox