Database Reference
In-Depth Information
application. Observing the workers actually doing their work will give you
the necessary perspective on what must be done and how to improve the
lives of the employees, compared with using the coolest new technology or
technique simply because it's available.
Often, observation can be included in the interview time; this helps
minimize disruption and gives workers the opportunity to step through
their processes, something that may lead to more thorough information in
the interview. However, it's a good idea to conduct interviews before ob-
servation, because observation is a good way to evaluate the validity of the
information gathered during the interviews, and it may also clear up any
confusion you may have about a given process. Either way, there are a few
key questions you'll need to answer for yourself during observation to help
ensure that you haven't missed anything that is important to the design of
the data model.
What data is being collected or input?
Is there duplication of data? Are workers inputting the same data
multiple times in different fields?
Is any data being moved from one system to another (other than
manual input to an application)? For example, are workers copying
data from one application to another via cut and paste?
Each of these questions will help you gain insight into what the current
work flow is and where problems may exist in the process. For example, if
users frequently copy data from one application (or spreadsheet) to an-
other, there may be an opportunity to consolidate data sources. Or, in the
case of an existing database, there may be issues with relationships that re-
quire a single piece of data be put into multiple locations. This kind of ob-
servation will give you hints of aspects of the process that need more
investigation or ideas for designing a new process (supported by your data
model) that will reduce the workload on employees.
Finally, you should observe multiple users who have the same job func-
tion. People tend to behave differently when they are being watched than
when they are going about their business unsupervised. People tend to de-
velop shortcuts or work around certain business rules because they feel it
is more effective to do so. Understanding these shortcuts will help you un-
derstand what is wrong in the current process.
When you conduct an observation, interrupt as little as possible; it may
even be best to note any questions you have and do a post-observation in-
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