Functions of Input Controls - Assignment Example

? Computer Sciences and Information Technology Number Input Controls Input controls are meant to substitute the simple data entry in the form of text. Input controls are often used in response to the query variables. Input controls are usually available in the Hyper Text Mark-up Language (HTML) form elements. Whereas, there are more than ten types of input controls, some include; file input control, check box input control, radio button input control, and submit button input control. These predefined input controls are oftentimes used instead of a text input being shown on the panel that contains query variables, because they help in regulating the nature of data entry. The main significance of these controls is that they are easy to manage: with input controls, database administrators are required to possess only specific skills to manage the outsourced data. The minimum knowledge of database administrators allows for flexibility, especially in the evolving nature of computer technology; higher turnover of employees; and outsourcing of data input (Lee, Chen, & Ilie, 2012). In light of these reasons, it behoves system administrators to make the system free from unnecessary data as much as possible by going the input control way. Types of input controls File input controls allow users to attach specific documents from the personal computer; for example, an outsourced data-entry may be achieved by enabling the user to select and upload copies of his or her personal documents during application for a job. Such documents may include; curriculum vitae, passport size photo etcetera. File input controls often support different file formats such as .doc, .jpeg, and .pdf, among others. A checkbox is a small box that enables end-users to check or uncheck predefined options by ticking the values they want by clicking the mouse (Lee, Chen, & Ilie, 2012). A checkbox allows the user to send the value that is attached to it, as the right choice. Radio buttons are selected by a mouse click on the widget, or by striking a keyboard shortcut to this effect, in which case, the checked button relays the value to the database, when the form is submitted. Submit input control enables users to send the correct form after filling an HTML form of structured query variables. In most cases, a “submit” button is found at the end of the query variables, and usually after the use of the other input controls. Transcription errors Input controls are very important in data-entry because they limit data entry integrity errors. Failure to use input controls could open a floodgate to transcription errors. A transcription error is a particular type of data entry error that is usually made by end-users (Murray, & Haubl, 2011). Human transcription errors are usually caused by typographical faults: that is, typing incorrect characters during touch typing. Input controls, oftentimes limit data transcription errors resulting from improper entries; for example, the typing of “1th,” rather than “1st” in outsourced data-entry. In this case, datetime input control or number input control, would easily eliminate the chances of the transcription error and eases the work of database administrators, sorting and checking the data for any inconsistency. Advantages and disadvantages of restricting user interfaces The rapid development of new technologies in the twenty-first century has resulted in the growth of human-machine interactions. Tech-savvy developers are usually guilty of creating user interfaces that are largely restricted and difficult to comprehend and use, assuming that machine operators can think and use them as they do (Hearst, 2011). They are usually quite ignorant of the extent of prior understanding of the user, which according to them seems to be easily discerned on the monitor, and are incapable of being aware of the needs of users, who do not have enough technological knowhow. This is often compounded by the lack of incorporating the user contributions or the lack of human factors experts in technology innovation. In response, an increasing number of machines are being installed with "nonstandard" interface parts, either deliberately to cut-off undeserving users for security reasons or unknowingly due to rapid growth of technologies. Items such as complicated status and tool bars, computer file caches, and utility ribbons, are sometimes found to be restrictive when applied to user interfaces. The more machine operators grasp these trendy interface items, the more developers use them as basic standards. Restricted interfaces are costly In light of the rich technological innovation, there has been a substantial need to develop user interfaces that saves time, guarantees information, entertains, and enhances better communication. The introduction of more complex machines, such as mobile phones, digital interactive television, and the Internet technology, has led to the use of more multifaceted controls, buttons and user interfaces. On the other hand, the unique needs of geriatrics and the disabled populations has made it necessary for the technology developers to rethink the largely restricted interfaces brought about by the new technologies, as they result in the underuse of the technologies. Owing to the fact that some technology users have little or no sight, weak manual movement or poor grip, operating the machines and technology tools, becomes very difficult. This enhances the need to eliminate all the hurdles in the user interfaces to make them user-friendly for all, and allow for the embrace of more technologies. Restricting interfaces leads to time wastage The reality that a graphical user interface is used does not mean it is understandable or user-friendly. According to Vielmetti (2008), restricted user interfaces are expensive and time-wasting when it comes to implementation; the users require up to 30 hours of training in order to be accustomed to them. In most cases, Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs) are not apparently as perceptive as their designers would like to contemplate. A fair user interface is direct in its design and easy to manage. It makes use of the screen estate properly, besides being precise and attractive. Additionally, it does not include pointless components. A restricted user interface is discomfited, imprecise and certainly not intuitive, hence its cold reception by the users. In most cases, a restricted user interfaces prevents the user from easily navigating, and the user is never certain how to execute particular commands and achieve desired outcomes, hence its underuse or stagnation of new technologies. Unrestricted user interfaces give the operators confidence; restricted ones do not. In a nutshell, restricted user interfaces are advantageous because they are responsive to the rapid technological innovation in the world. The interfaces are also safe, as unwanted persons or users such as hackers, are left out of the processes. On the other hand, restricted user interfaces leave out a large proportion of technology users, who would otherwise contribute effectively toward enhancing the productivity based on the new tools. Additionally, restricted user interfaces increase operation costs relative to technology use. Conclusion Generally, input controls such as file input control, submit button input control, checkbox input control and radio button input controls, ease outsourced data-entry processes by limiting transcription errors. Owing to the emergence of new user interface standards and the increasing need of taking into consideration the unique needs of the disabled community, it is important for developers to balance the new interfaces applications, and the unique user needs (Hearst, 2011). Developers should observe the needs more closely in order to create unrestricted user interfaces; they can try, if they can, to ape the attitude of the inexperienced end user. They should consider what functions an inexperienced or disabled individual can go about before reaching out for the guidebook or asking others any question in an effort to guarantee uniform use of new tools. Appendix Fig. 1. A web-based input for making hotel reservations. Fig. 2. A graph showing the number of online reservations at Hotel “X” for the year 2011. References Hearst, M.A. (2011). 'Natural' search user interfaces. Communications of the ACM, 54(11), 60- 67. Lee, Y., Chen, A.N.K., & Ilie, V. (2012). Can online wait be managed? The effect of filler interfaces and presentation modes on perceived waiting time online. MIS Quarterly. 36(2), 365-394. Murray, K.B., & Haubl, G. (2011). Freedom of choice, ease of use, and the formation of interface preferences. MIS Quarterly, 35(4), 955-A6. Vielmetti, E. (2008). Focus on the Interface. Library Journal, 133, 6-8. Read More