Chapter+2+(Michael)

The following summaries are from pages 63, 64, 65, and 66.

Determining the data requirements
The data selected for use in a solution are usually subject to certain constraints. The inputs need to carefully consider these constraints.

Identifying data and information needed for the solution
Analytical tools such as context diagrams or data flow diagrams might be used to clearly identify how data is being used within an organisation. This may identify the functions needed in the online community to facilitate information exchange.

Identifying the functions needed for the online community solution
Identifying the functions needed for an online community can be separated into two distinct categories: · How the solution might function - Do we need to broadcast information? - Do we need to exchange information? - Do we need to store knowledge in a central location? · Attributes the solution might posses - How **user friendly** does the solution have to be? How easy is it to use? - How critical is the solution to the online community? How relible does the solution need to be? - Does the website need to be accessible from the mobile devices? - How many people will be accessing the online community at any one time? - Who is going to **maintain** the different sections of the online community?

Constraints on the solution
Constraints can affect the way in which we design and solve the information problem. **Technical constraints include:** · The cost of the solution; this might determine whether the organisation uses freely available or tools to which they subscribe. · The speed or time that it takes to access or exchange information · How secure the solution needs to be, and whether the solution needs to be closed or open to the public · The number of people accessing this online community at the same time. **Non-technical constraints include the requirements of users:** · Are the issues of privacy when exchanging information? · Are there copyright issues that need to be taken into consideration? · Are there cultural, gender or age constraints that need to be considered?

Scope of the solution
To determine the scope of the solution the benefits the solution will have on efficiency and effectiveness within the organisation must be carefully considered. The scope must clearly outline what the solution can and can’t do and provide the design stage with guidelines so that an suitable solution can be designed. =Designing a website solution= Every solution undergoes an analysis stage which should provide the designer with solution requirements, solution constraints and a scope of the solution. Users want fast and clear websites that do not take a long time to load. Information must be obtained efficiently. An efficient website takes little time, cost and effort. Techniques to ensure the site is efficient: · Use cascading Style Sheets · Reduce page loading · Small and formatted images