Design a usable and interactive on-line DVD rental system Coursework

Design a usable and interactive on-line DVD rental system - Coursework Example There is, therefore, need for development of an android mobile application for DVD rental. This will easy for movie lovers to rent DVDs without having to do it manually or using their PCs. New Ideas in Brief The new system will have an optional function that will occasionally update the user on the latest arrivals at the movie store. This will be done either by sending automatic short messages using the Short Messages Service or through email. In addition, the system will give users additional payment options. Existing Systems There are DVD rental systems that exist in the market. Each of them has its strengths and weaknesses. Some of these are related to their user interfaces, the media of interaction between users and the core systems. One example of a system that already exists is Blockbuster.co.uk. A detailed analysis of user interfaces for Blockbuster.co.uk using Nielsen’s Heuristics yields the following results: Visibility The application does not have a mechanism for ke eping users updated on the progress they make while using the system. The developer should consider introducing progress bars in subsequent versions of their software. Familiarity (similarity of system with real world occurrences) Blockbuster.co.uk did a good job to use icons and symbols that are easy to identify, learn, and remember. This makes it easier for users to master the system. User Control and Freedom Blockbuster.co.uk has different categories of users, mainly categorized into two; Movie Administrators and Members. Whereas movie administrators have the rights to setup different types of accounts, edit, and delete items, members can only search and view movies apart from adding, editing and deleting member’s details. This categorization of users makes user management easy; hence, making the system efficient. The users are free to edit their personal details as they wish; they can change their names, email, password, as well as manage their address books and browsing preferences. Users also have the freedom of deleting their profiles by unregistering their accounts on Blockbuster.co.uk. Consistency and Standards Source:: http:// http://www.blockbuster.co.uk/help/help.aspx The user interface is consistent across different windows; buttons and icons with similar appearances and labels perform similar functions throughout the system. For example, the â€Å"search† field and shopping basket are located in similar positions as other e-commerce sites such as Amazon.com. This makes it easy for users with experience in online shopping to manoeuvre through the online store. In addition, it helps them to recognize various functionalities of the online store easily, rather than have to recall every detail about it. Source:: http://www.amazon.com Error prevention, detection, and resolution Source: https://www.blockbuster.co.uk/account/lostinpost.aspx?tab=home?href=/account/account.aspx Blockbuster.co.uk has a good error prevention system; it prompts the user to confirm his or her input into the system before committing them. In this way, the user consciously authorizes every transaction made by the system. The interface also has an area where users can report DVDs that get lost in post in the process of delivery. This allows users to alert management in case there is any error or discrepancy with their services. This helps the company to correct any mistakes it makes as it delivers services to its clients. Help and