Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
ing, keeping and surviving”, identified in the task
analysis. A key question was, “What kind of work
does Jill want?” with the addition of the search
icon “Find My Dream Job” under “Looking For
Work.” Questions invariably started with “What
if?” What if Jill did not want to return to work
but simply needed to comply with requirements to
keep government benefits?” “What if Jill wants to
pursue a career or perhaps she wants a change of
career?” Questions were asked around voluntary
work vis-à-vis paid employment and the possibility
that Jill might need to pursue further education to
gain qualifications in the area she wanted to work
in. “Was an adequate income a main priority for
Jill?” “What was her level of English - written
and spoken?” “How had Jill adjusted with issues
of resettlement inAustralia and possible trauma?”
Care was taken to consider all of the possible
scenarios that Jill may encounter.
When mentally unwell Jill struggled with
motivation, had reduced levels of concentration
and an increase in paranoid thoughts and audi-
tory hallucinations contributing to lowered self
esteem. Technical aspects were designed so as to
be responsive to Jill's mental health and issues of
motivation and level of perceptual comfort using
e-WRAP. This led to the inclusion of design fea-
tures that meant Jill could log in and out without
losing any data stored as well as addressing issues
of privacy. These features were consistent with
recommendations made by participants in the
focus groups during user analysis. The stigma
and discrimination Jill experienced both when
seeking employment and in general, as well as
already lowered self-esteem, led to the inclusion
of design features on dealing with knock backs,
general health and well-being, self-care and build-
ing self-esteem. Low-cost leisure activities were
built into the design in recognition of the loneliness
and boredom that Jill experienced, also taking
into account the difficulty of managing on a low
income. What initially began as an employment
focused project broadened into quality of life.
Figure 3 shows the menu hierarchy designed for
“Looking for Work”.
Touch screen technology was used to design a
computer system that was easy to use and tailored
to the needs of people recovering from mental
illness considering employment. Main features of
e-WRAP were design features that were responsive
to the difficulties people using the system may
experience in relation to motivation, cognition
and perception. Pictures, photos, graphics, video
streaming and quizzes were used to add variety
and make the design interesting, relevant and fun
to use. The graphics and images were designed
mindful of Jill's mental state.
The instructional designer worked tirelessly
to be responsive to the needs identified for Jill to
design appropriate screen chattels. For instance,
a simple press of each key option was designed to
deliver a sub-level menu. The screen chattels were
always on display and included: an orientation
button (top of screen), audio/text toggle button,
page navigation mechanisms: back button (pre-
vious screen), a home page button, and the full
menu of key job seeking options displayed along
the bottom edge of the screen. This framework
presented an intuitive/inquisitive approach to
information where the user has complete control
over where they may wish to go next. In keeping
with the 5-star principles of instruction (Merrill
2003) the prototype offered video on demand
(Okamoto, Matsui, Inoue & Cristea 2000).
These vignettes showed users everyday activities
concerning health and safety issues, preparing
for an interview, typical job environments, and
benefits of socializing at work. Four categories
of work were offered; professional, community,
health and education, and trades and services.
Video On Demand buttons were located beneath
each category. The focal point of the prototype
was the interactive job selection module with a
comprehensive employment knowledge system
including job vacancy listings and specific position
descriptions (McKay & Martin, 2007).
Search WWH ::




Custom Search