Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
Consider Hard Copy
Consider the use of a GIS in some applications to have it print out lists, catalogs, or tables of numbers—of
which 99 percent are never viewed. This type of output can be replaced on a periodic or as-needed basis.
There is also the option of putting such information on the Internet, but that may make it less accessible
in some instances.
While printing a lot of paper sounds wasteful, it may be cost-effective. Consider the example of a
telephone book. Despite duplication, paper, and distribution costs—and the fact than an information
service is provided over the phone—it is less costly to organize and provide mostly unwanted
information to each customer in a region rather than respond dynamically to the customers' need for
information at a particular point in time. On the other hand, the phone company does not provide a list
of subscribers for the entire nation. The key point is that the issue of product utility and cost must be
looked at in a comprehensive way—not just in terms of time, materials, or human effort alone.
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Consider Balance in Product Content
In the design of a product, there should be a balance between simplicity and generality. In one sense the
best product is the one that speaks directly to the decision maker, respecting her or his particular abilities,
relating to the issue he or she is dealing with. On the other hand, it is nice to have a product of such good
design that it can serve the decision maker, his or her advisor, those in other areas, perhaps the public and
the courts. Mapmakers, of course, are well aware of this design problem. A map's usefulness is increased
by adding a new type of information and yet decreased at the same time because the map becomes more
cluttered. A map that “shows” everything shows nothing, because it is black.
Elements of Product Design
Product design is an art that marries what is possible with what is needed. Many factors go into
successful design:
Examination
—Of products from other systems
❏
Innovation
—The ability to conceive of more meaningful ways to display information within the con-
straints of the devices which put the information together
❏
Refinement
—Of products that the GIS is already producing by obtaining, and heeding feedback from
users of the product
❏
Knowledge
—Of what data are required (and the other characteristics of those data) to produce the
necessary information
❏
Lack of bias
—Toward either character-based or graphic information and an ability to provide information
in the best format for the given customer
❏
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The availability of the Internet has changed this somewhat, although looking up a number in a paper-based directory
is sometimes preferable to dodging advertisements and dealing with sites that want to sell you the information. Many
people view the Internet as a way to make money and they don't mind inconveniencing users if they think they can
achieve that aim.
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