Instructor Notes Module 11: Designing the Presentation Layer

Instructor Notes Module 11: Designing
the Presentation Layer
Introduction
This module teaches students how to develop user interfaces that are user-
centered and usable. They will learn about various presentation technologies, as
well as how to validate their design through prototyping and usability testing.
Additionally, they will learn about the two pieces of the presentation layer — the
user interface and the user services — and how to design them.
After completing this module, students will be able to:
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Determine the appropriate user interface metaphors for the business
solution, taking into account the target audience, business requirements, and
future-state usage scenarios.
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Design a user interface that accommodates user needs and business
requirements and that incorporates the appropriate user interface controls for
the interface metaphors selected.
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Create a low-fidelity visual representation of a user interface initial design.
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Determine the user services — validation, navigation, and error processing
— required for a user interface to a business system.
Materials and Preparation
This section provides you with the materials and preparation needed to teach
this module.
Materials
To teach this module, you need the following materials:
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Microsoft
®

PowerPoint
®
file P11_1608a.ppt
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Module 11, “Designing the Presentation Layer”
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Activity 11.1, “Experience with User Interfaces”
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Activity 11.2, “Creating an Initial User Interface Design”
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Activity 11.3, “User Interface Technology Selection”
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Activity 11.4, “User Services Design”

Presentation:
90 Minutes

Activity:
70 Minutes
2 Instructor Notes Module 11: Designing the Presentation Layer



Preparation
To prepare for this module, you should:
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Read all the materials for this module.
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Complete the activities.

Instructor Notes Module 11: Designing the Presentation Layer 3



Activities
Activity 11.1: Experience with User Interfaces
In this activity, you will facilitate a discussion that focuses on the user
interfaces that the students use every day. The students have an opportunity to
consider the design of the interfaces from the perspective of users.
After completing this activity, students will be able to:
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Articulate the aspects of user interface design.

!
To prepare for the activity
1. Complete the activity yourself.
2. Prepare some questions to ask the students to stimulate a class discussion.

Activity 11.2: Creating an Initial User Interface Design
This activity provides students with the opportunity to design a user interface in
a group setting. It also provides them with the opportunity to consider user
feedback and user assistance issues.
After completing this activity, students will be able to:
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Create an initial design of a user interface.

!
To prepare for the activity
1. Complete the activity yourself.
2. Prepare some questions to ask students to stimulate a class discussion.

Activity 11.3: User Interface Technology Selection
In this activity, you will facilitate a discussion that focuses on the various issues
associated with selecting client-side technologies and how the user interface
might be influenced by technology selection.
After completing this activity, students will be able to:
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Articulate the issues associated with selecting user interface technologies.

!
To prepare for the activity
1. Complete the activity yourself.
2. Prepare some questions to ask the students to stimulate a class discussion.

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Activity 11.4: User Services Design
In this activity, you will facilitate a discussion that focuses on the issues
associated with designing the user services of a business application.
After completing this activity, students will be able to:
!
Articulate issues of designing user services.

!
To prepare for the activity
1. Complete the activity yourself.
2. Prepare some questions to ask students to stimulate a class discussion.

Instructor Notes Module 11: Designing the Presentation Layer 5



Module Strategy
Use the following strategy to present this module:
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Application Presentation Layer
This section introduces the concept of a presentation layer consisting of the
user interface and the user services. Note that for many designers and
developers, this division into interface and services will be a new concept.
Be sure the class understands the difference before moving forward.
!
User Interface Design Basics
This section provides an overview of the basics of good user interface
design. Explain to the class that this is just that — an overview — and that the
principles presented here may benefit from further self-study if the student
is not experienced or proficient in interface design. Especially emphasize
the “Designer’s Questions” and “Characteristics of a Good Interface
Design” slides because they provide excellent guidance beyond the scope of
the class.
!
Activity 11.1: Experience with User Interfaces
This discussion will help students focus on the primary principle of user
interface design: design for the user. Use this discussion to gauge how
students are thinking about the design process, especially user interface
design.
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User Interface Design Process
This is an overview of the various pieces and steps of the interface design

process. While students will be familiar with the elements presented (such
as windows, menus, and controls), they may never have considered such
issues as proper feedback to the user and user-friendly help. Emphasize that
the task of the designer is to see the application from the viewpoint of the
typical user, not from the viewpoint of the experienced designer. Also
emphasize that designers must use the concepts and metaphors of the user
when designing an interface. Additionally, emphasize the importance of
basing the design on the use cases and other artifacts developed earlier, as
well as the importance of involving the user in the design process, including
final validation.
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Activity 11.2: Creating an Initial User Interface Design
In this activity, students work in small groups to design an interface for the
consultant to use when entering his or her timesheet information. The
directions are deliberately vague, so that each group can explore different
designs and issues surrounding those designs. During the discussion that
follows the activity, create a class consensus design.
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Selecting the Client Environment
This section provides an overview of the various types of client technologies
available and the considerations for each. You should be able to move
through the discussion fairly quickly.