Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
2.4.3.
The steps in RAMSES
RAMSES structures the analysis phase of a project into successive steps. The
first step consists of researching and collecting data on information needs. These
data are then analyzed and solution recommendations are put forward. At the end of
each step, the data and solutions identified are represented in a formalism enabling
us to move on to the next step. The progression of the methodology results in a
validated model enabling us to begin the phase of IIS development. The following
sections describe the four steps of the RAMSES method: data collection, analysis of
collected data, modeling/specification and evaluation of specifications.
2.4.3.1.
Data collection
This first step aims to define user needs and the constraints linked to the
information system. Its objective is to understand and characterize the interaction
activities of the user with the system in an environment of use. It is carried out by
the ergonomist, whose task will be to specify the significant elements from the point
of view of the user. Furthermore, a dialog with experts in the application domain is
required to define the field of technical and technological possibilities of the system
that is to be designed. Different methods can be used to collect these data: survey,
interview, discussion groups and observations [SHN 04]. These methods are more or
less close to the activity in a situation of use. To favor the consideration of real
needs, RAMSES is therefore strongly based on the principles of an ergonomic
approach. One of the major properties of this approach is a strict framework for the
construction of experiment plans, the definition of the sample of users to be queried
and observed, the systematic methods for collecting and the tools for analyzing data
[DRO 01], [VAL 06].
The main phases of the data collection steps are:
-
Analysis of the environment of use
: this consists of describing the places in
which the user will have access to information delivered by the system (offices,
vehicles, outside, etc.), the objectives of the users (tasks prescribed by a procedure
or objectives defined directly by the user) and the conditions that can influence the
modalities of use (rhythms, flows, temporality, etc.). Second; an inventory of the
available and foreseeable media to diffuse the information delivered to the user by
the system (computer, cell phone, public terminal, public display, etc.) must be
listed. The existing media will then be described according to their ergonomic
characteristics (screen sizes, for example) and their technical performance (ability to
refresh real time information, for example).
-
Analysis of the operating environment:
this part consists of describing the data
resources that are accessible to the system to produce the desired information.
Indeed, to elaborate operational recommendations for the design, the ergonomist
