Database Reference
In-Depth Information
identify that additional information. You'll then define new data structures (as appropriate)
to support this information later in the design process. However, you can move on to the
next part of the interview if management doesn't require additional information.
You use the same techniques for this discussion as those you used for this segment of the
user interviews. Here are the steps you'll follow.
1.
Review the report samples with the participants once again and ask them if there is
additional information they would like to include in any of the reports.
2.
Have the participants note the additional information—including the reasons that
they believe it's necessary—on the appropriate reports. Remember that it doesn't
matter how the participants make the notations so long as they are clear, are notice-
able, and are attached to the appropriate report.
3.
Identify new subjects or characteristics within the information and add them to the
appropriate list.
4.
Review the reports and discuss any concerns you have about them with the parti-
cipants. Once your concerns are resolved, this process is complete.
Reviewing Future Information Requirements
Future information requirements are the next subject of discussion. Your objective here
is to determine what information management foresees itself needing in the future. Once
you've identified these requirements, you can ensure that there are data structures in place
to support this information as the need for it arises.
As you begin the discussion, have the participants consider how the organization is cur-
rently evolving. Then ask them how this evolution will affect the information they require
to make sound decisions and how it will influence the way they guide or direct the organ-
ization. Remember that their answers are going to be based on speculation, as was the case
with the similar questions you asked users; there's no way for management to predict its
future needs accurately until the organization actually begins to evolve. (It's always a good
idea, however, to plan for the future as much as possible.) Use the Subject-Identification
TechniqueandCharacteristic-Identification Techniquetoidentifynewsubjectsandcharac-
teristicswithintheparticipants'responsesandthenaddthenewitems(ifany)totheappro-
priate lists.
Next, make sketches of any new reports the participants might have in mind. Identify new
subjects and characteristics within each report and add them to the appropriate lists. Then
assemble these new reports in a clearly marked folder and add it to your collection of
samples.
