Terrier News, Essay Example

2.Annie, in order to promote an effective design strategy for Terrier News, it is necessary to consider methods that will focus on users above all others. Therefore, as the editor and publisher of the newsletter, it is recommended that you spend some time conducting research regarding user-oriented methods of design, because these efforts are likely to increase traffic and sustain interest in the newsletter and its objectives. In this way, the user serves as the primary focus of the advertising strategy or process, and this facilitates positive responses and results. Perhaps most important is the separation of different types of advertisements from each other, based upon different categories, and this will encourage viewership to continue reading because of an organized format. When focusing on the user above all other elements, it becomes apparent that users often possess a different point of view than the newsletter’s design team, and therefore, it is important to convey these principles in supporting those users that read the newsletter on a regular basis. If these ideas are developed and implemented, it is possible for the organization to significantly benefit from a user-centered approach to advertising and newsletter creation. This will encourage repeat readership, and will also attract new readers that might not have considered the newsletter in the past.

3.There are several guidelines that are influential in supporting a user-friendly approach to newsletter writing and development. However, in order to be successful in these endeavors, the appropriate audience must be identified and supported by the chosen user-friendly strategy. Therefore, these efforts are best suited for a process that examines the type of users that are interested in the newsletter. Therefore, the concept of establishing user-based profiles is essential to the discovery of new ideas that will best suit readers (Talin). Based upon these needs, the following questions are raised: “The result of this process is a detailed description of one or more “average” users, with specific details such as: What are the user’s goals? What are the user’s skills and experience? What are the user’s needs?” (Talin). These questions will enable the business to capture important information regarding readers that will improve results (Talin). Another principle to consider is that of coherence, whereby there is a cohesive strategy in place that is consistent with other factors and objectives of the business (Talin). In addition, when the business emphasizes its focus on different criteria, this will provide readers with visual reminders of organizational objectives, and will keep their attention and focus for a longer period of time (Talin). Finally, it is important to consider the principle of context, and how it plays a role in supporting a user-friendly interface: “Imagine an application that allows users to select a range of text characters within a document, and also allows them to select one or more whole documents (the latter being a distinct concept from selecting all of the characters in a document). In such a case, it’s probably best if the program disallows selecting both characters and documents in the same selection. One unobtrusive way to do this is to “dim” the selection that is not applicable in the current context. In the example above, if the user had a range of text selected, and then selected a document, the range of selected characters could become dim, indicating that the selection was not currently pertinent” (Talin). From this perspective, it is possible that the organization will achieve success when it supports a unified focus and purpose throughout the newsletter (Talin).

4.The switchboard design to be considered must be effective in capturing the attention of all users, and must recognize that simplicity is a blessing in many cases. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a series of controls that will distinguish between the many different advertisements that are received. In this manner, it is necessary to approach the switchboard concept with an open mind, and to develop a process that will strategically align with all relevant factors in order to promote positive results. The switchboard must establish several categories, such as dogs wanted, dogs for sale, and miscellaneous products and services. Each of these criteria is relevant because it enables readers to focus on one set of advertisements at a time, which also brings the focus concept into view. Therefore, the switchboard will categorize the three types of ads, and then will support a mechanism of drop-down menus in order to support these distinctions. The switchboard design must be effective in accommodating a large group of users, and must provide sufficient detail in order to establish a relationship with readers so that they will use the site to its fullest potential, and will return in the future. The switchboard concept must convey a level of detail and organization that is reflective of a user-friendly interface, one that recognizes the importance of the user in ensuring that there are sufficient options for users to navigate the site effectively and in a simple fashion.

References

Talin. A summary of principles for user-interface design. Retrieved October 24, 2010, from http://www.sylvantech.com/~talin/projects/ui_design.html