Adaptive UIX Layer for University Information SOA-BUS

The user interface (UI) layer is considered one of the key components of software applications since it connects their end-users to functionalities. Well-engineered and robust software applications could eventually fail to be adopted due to a weak UI layer. In the current market, when creating sites, UI designers have to determine how to plan the best interface according to the devices of the users, namely desktops, laptops, tablets or smartphones. Having this in mind, the current paper aims to present the adaptive UIX Layer for a University Information SOA-Bus (UISB) – a topic discussed in previous works [1], [2]. In this respect, we reviewed the literature on responsive and adaptive web design in order to identify the best front-end approach to the UISB. According to our findings, there is a strong debate in the academic field as well in the IT business in what concerns UI design. Recent interests have shown that the new trend in drafting the front-end layer is choosing between a responsive and an adaptive design. While arguments provided by both sides have failed to ease the decision makers’ choices on what type of design to choose, we aim to bring some light on the subject by proposing different layers for the UISB

The Design of Operational Interfaces for Older Adults

Increasing numbers of older people are living independently for longer. The ability to use domestic information-processing appliances, such as washing machines and microwave ovens, to carry out activities of daily living is an important aspect of independent living. The focus of this research was on the design of operational interfaces on domestic information-processing appliances for older adults. Inclusive and user centred design are used to create operational interfaces that address users’ ergonomic needs. An early study carried out as part of this research identified unclear relationships between operational interfaces and instructional materials, such as cooking instructions on food packaging or washing instructions on clothes, as a major concern. Two impediments to the flow of a task were identified: interaction breakdown (where the task is stalled) and focus shift (where a user is distracted from the task). Given the importance of these to the use and therefore design of the operational interface, a coding scheme was developed to enable systematic analysis of participants’ interactions with operational interfaces and associated instructional information. The coding scheme covers participants’ interactions with operational interfaces and the task being carried out. The research concluded that inability to use operational interfaces was because of limited connections between visual instructions on the interfaces and instructional materials. Also, habitual behaviours demonstrated in the routine activities could be used to design improved visual instructions and information in sequential series on operational interfaces