End-user computing: Difference between revisions

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{{Short description|Systems in which users can make apps}}

'''End User Computing''' (EUC) refers to several things. For one, it refers to the [[human interface]], [[ergonomics|ergonomically]] integrated into a [[user centered design]] system throughout its [[technology lifecycle|life cycle]]. EUC's goal is to allow unskilled staff to use expensive and highly skilled knowledge in their jobs. This is done by putting the knowledge and expertise into the computer and teaching the end user how to access it. For another, it refers to software engineering and development controlled by and even performed by the end user (SME, ___domain expert, ...)

{{howto|date=July 2021}}

'''End-user computing''' ('''EUC''') refers to systems in which non-[[programmer]]s can create working [[Application software|application]]s.<ref name="EUC">{{cite conference | url=http://dl.acm.org/citation.cfm?id=1120304 | title=End-user computing | publisher=[[Association for Computing Machinery]] | access-date=30 December 2015 | author=Goodall, Howie | book-title=CHI EA '97 CHI '97 Extended Abstracts on Human Factors in Computing Systems | date = March 1997 | conference=ACM CHI 97 Human Factors in Computing Systems Conference | ___location=Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, United States of America | pages=132 | isbn=0-89791-926-2}}</ref> EUC is a group of approaches to computing that aim to better integrate [[user (computing)|end users]] into the computing environment. These approaches attempt to realize the potential for high-end computing to perform problem-solving in a trustworthy manner.<ref>McBride, Neil, "[https://www.dora.dmu.ac.uk/handle/2086/213 Towards User-Oriented control of End-User Computing in Large Organizations]"</ref><ref>Mahmood, Adam, [http://www.idea-group.com/bookseries/details.asp?id=3 Advances in End User Computing Series] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070129022235/http://www.idea-group.com/bookseries/details.asp?id=3 |date=2007-01-29 }} University of Texas, USA, {{ISSN|1537-9310}}</ref>

End-user computing can range in complexity from users simply clicking a series of buttons, to citizen developers<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gartner.com/en/information-technology/glossary/citizen-developer|title=Definition of Citizen Developer - Gartner Information Technology Glossary}}</ref> writing scripts in a controlled [[scripting language]], to being able to modify and execute code directly.

In the former sense of EUC, it appears easier to teach factory workers, for example, how to read dials, push buttons, pull levers, and log results than to teach them the manufacturing process and mathematical models. The current computing trend is to [[simulate]] a console with similar dials, sliders, levers, and switches, which the end user is taught to use. To further reduce end user training, computer consoles all contain components which are shaped, labled, coloured, and function similarly.

Examples of end-user computing are systems built using [[fourth-generation programming language]]s, such as [[MAPPER]] or [[SQL]], or one of the [[fifth-generation programming language]]s, such as [[ICAD (software)|ICAD]].

In the latter sense of EUC, it has been argued that '''a''' (teaching programming and computing concepts to a ___domain expert (say, one of the sciences or engineering disciplines) and letting the expert develop rules (this type of action can be subsumed under the topic of business rules)) is easier than '''b''' (teaching the intricacies of a complex discipline to a computer worker (need to clarify this further, but, for now, read IT/IS)). '''b''' is the normal approach of the IT-driven situation. '''a''' has been the reality since day one of computing in many disciplines. One may argument that resolving issues of '''a''' and '''b''' is not unlike the interplay between distributed and central processing (which is an age-old concern in computing).

==Factors==

In the former sense of EUC, computer developers assume that once the end user knows what and how a particular lever works, they will quickly identify it when it appears in a new console. This means that once staff learns one console, they will be able to operate all consoles. Admittedly each console will have new components, but training is limited to those, not the whole console. This approach requires more than just [[Pavlovian]] responses as the console content will have meaning that is of use and power to the particular computing ___domain. One aspect of EUC research addresses issues related to [[man-machine]] interface.

Factors contributing to the need for further EUC research include [[knowledge]] processing, [[pervasive computing]], issues of [[upper ontology|ontology]], [[interactive visualization]], and the like.

Some of the issues related to Endend-user User Computingcomputing concern [[software architecture]] ([[Graphical user interface|iconic]] versus language interfaceinterfaces, open versus closed,{{clarify|date=July ...).2013}} Theseand continue to be studiedothers). Other issues relate to IP[[intellectual property]], configuration, and maintenance, ... End-user User Computingcomputing allows more user -input into system affairs that can range from [[personalization]] to full-fledged ownership of thea system.

In the latter sense of EUC, there may be computer scientists supporting decisions about architecture, process, and GUI. However, in many cases, the end user owns the software components. One thrust related to this sense of EUC is a focus on providing better languages to the user. [[ICAD]] was an example in the [[Knowledge-Based_Engineering|KBE]] context. Of late, this discipline has moved to a co-joint architecture that features advanced interactive ___domain visualization coupled with a complicated API accessed via [[VBA]], [[C++]], and the like. This type of co-jointness is an example of a ___domain tool augmented with non-trivial extensibility.

==EUC strategy==

In computer jargon, consoles are called [[computer program|program]]s or [[application software|applications]] and they are presented through a [[Graphical User Interface]] which ensures the components have a consistent [[look and feel]]. The computer's [[operating system|operation]] is hidden behind this [[metaphor]] and presents itself in a way most people understand.

EUC applications should not be evolved by accident, but there should be a defined EUC strategy.{{citation needed|date=May 2016}} Any [[Application Architecture]] Strategy / IT Strategy should consider the white spaces in automation (enterprise functionality not automated by [[Enterprise resource planning|ERP]] / [[Enterprise Grade Applications]]). These are the potential areas where EUC can play a major role.{{citation needed|date=May 2016}} Then ASSIMPLER parameters{{which|date=May 2016}} should be applied{{by whom|date=May 2016}} to these white spaces to develop the EUC strategy. (ASSIMPLER stands for availability, scalability, security, interoperability, maintainability, performance, low [[cost of ownership]], extendibility and reliability.<ref>

Compare: {{cite web

|last1= Vanarse|first1= Mandar|title= Business Value Assurance during the transformation journey.

|url= http://www.wipro.com/documents/business-value-assurance-during-the-transformation-journey.pdf

|website= Wipro|publisher= Wipro Limited|access-date= 26 July 2015

| quote = How should the business services be designed in terms of availability, security, scalability, interoperability, maintenance, performance, lower cost, extendibility and reliability (ASSIMPLER) from end consumer perspective?

}}

</ref>)

In businesses, an end-user concept gives workers more flexibility, as well as more opportunities for better productivity and creativity. However, EUC will work only when leveraged correctly. That’s why it requires a full-fledged strategy. Any strategy should include all the tools users might need to carry out their tasks and work more productively.

==Trend==

The historical view regarding end users is being eroded by the internet and wireless communication, where the traditional end user is able to actively contribute and add value to the computer system. [[wiki]]s are one example where end users provide the content and free the webmaster to manage the site. Another example within the computer field is [[FLOSS]], where end users engage in all aspects of software development, from feature requests, through testing and reviews, to useability, documentation, and distribution. Music, pictures, and documents are remixed and edited to satisify personal taste and demand. The consequence is that many countries and industries have been slow or unwilling to adjust to this emerging society, but some have seen the potential and are exploring economic possibilities.

'''Types of EUC'''

Another trend is where users specify, and even develop, rules that may be fairly normal relationships ([[SQL]]) or be hard-core numerical processes that may require attention being given to serious computational characteristics, such as ill-conditioning, parallelisms. and similar issues of an ongoing nature.

End-user computing covers a broad range of user-facing resources, including:

==Research==

The human interface receives continuous attention as emerging interfaces reveal more possibilities and risks. The quest to both internationalize ([[i18n]]) and localize ([[L10n]]) software is hampered by computers designed for the English alphabet, but other major languages, such as [[Chinese language|Chinese]], [[Japanese language|Japanese]], and [[Arabic]], have different requirements.

* desktop and notebook computers;

Other studies range from website [[accessibility]] to [[pervasive computing]], with the focus ranging from the human to the computer. The issue centres around how much the human can safely and reliably adjust to the computer's [[I/O device]]s on the one hand, and how unobtrusively the computer can detect the human's needs on the other.

* desktop operating systems and applications;

* scripting languages such as robotic desktop automation or RDA;

* smartphones and wearables;

* mobile, web and cloud applications;

* virtual desktops and applications<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://searchmobilecomputing.techtarget.com/definition/end-user-computing-platform-EUC-platform|title=What is end-user computing (EUC)? - Definition from WhatIs.com|website=SearchMobileComputing|language=en|access-date=2019-12-04}}</ref>

==EUC risk drivers==

Too, issues related to computing ontologies (example: [[Language/Action_perspective]] has found some success in [[CRM]], etc.) continue to be of interest to EUC.

Business owners should understand that every user-controlled app needs to be monitored and supervised. Otherwise, organization risk facing a lot of problems and losses if end-users don’t follow company policy or leave their job. In functions such as finance, accounting and regulated activities, unmanaged EUC may expose the organization to regulatory compliance issues and fines.

End-user computing operating and business risks may be driven by:

==Analysis==

The concepts related to the 'end user' cover a wide range (novice user to intellectual borg {see Slogan 2}), hence '''End User Computing''' can have a range of forms and values. Most early computer systems were tightly controlled by an IT department; 'users' were just that. However, at any point in the evolution of computer systems through time, there was serious work in several domains that required user development. The dynamics of the power struggles between centralized and decentralized computing have been a fact; this was partially due to the emergence of the mid-sized computers ([[VAX]], etc.). Then, the advent of the personal workstation opened up the door, so to speak, since it allowed a more pervasive type of computation to emerge. The recent advent of 'web' services has extended the issues to a more broad scope.

* lack of rigorous testing;

In the sense of serious ___domain computing and given the intertwining of [[computation]] into all advanced disciplines, any tool (inclusive of any type of capability related to a ___domain/discipline) that is provided by a computer becomes part of the discipline (methodology, etc.).

* lack of version & change control;

* lack of documentation and reliance on end-user who developed it;

* lack of maintenance processes;

* lack of security;

* lack of audit trail;

* overreliance on manual controls.

==EUC risk management software==

As such, the issue arises about how open the tool is to scrutiny. Some disciplines require more understanding of the tool set than do others. That is, tools that are [[operational]] in scope require less understanding than those that are [[ontological]]. As an example of the latter type of influence on disciplines, consider the impact that the computer has had on the [[Scientific_method#Computational_approaches|scientific method]].

Many companies elect to leverage software to manage their EUC risks. Software can provide many benefits to organizations, including:

* automation of risk management activities;

Some of the issues related to End User Computing concern architecture (iconic versus language interface, open versus closed, ...). These continue to be studied. Other issues relate to IP, configuration, maintenance, ... End User Computing allows more user input into system affairs that can range from personalization to full-fledged ownership of the system.

* reduction in manual effort required for manual controls;

* version controls for EUC applications;

* change controls for EUC applications.

Examples of EUC risk software include:

Examples of End User Computing are [[ICAD]], [[SQL]], ... [[ICAD]] (in the [[Knowledge-Based_Engineering|KBE]] ___domain) stands as a prime example since it is associated with the pervasive use of [[Lisp_programming_language|Lisp]] by [[Engineers]] to accomplish remarkable effects through a long economic cycle.

* apparity<ref>{{cite web |title=End-user computing risk management solution of the year: Apparity |url=https://www.insuranceerm.com/content/awards/insuranceerm-annual-awards-2023-uk-and-europe/winners/end-user-computing-risk-management-solution-of-the-year-apparity.html |website=InsuranceERM |access-date=2 May 2023}}</ref>

=== Slogans ===

* Computing concerns and good End User Computing can be antithetically related.

* Good End User Computing practices might help temper things such as the [[AI Winter]].

* The computational needs to wed with the phenomenal (are 'borgs' inevitable?).

:Note: '''[[Borg]]''', in this sense, may be inspired by science fiction, however the reality of [[Wearable_computing|wearables]] and embedded [[Integrated_circuit|chips]] ought to be considered. Witness, too, the recent article in an [[IEEE]] periodical about the use of embedded circuitry (such as, to regulate release of medication) in [[Psychiatry]] practice. Related discussion will cover [[cognition]], [[perception]], and much more (to be listed).

* There is always more than meets the eye (or, [[Graphical_user_interface|GUI]], or any interface, is only part of the [[truth]]).

==AddictionSee also==

* [[Decentralized computing]]

When people use computers to the extent it disrupts their relationships and lifestyle, they are addicted. Common addictions include [[Internet Relay Chat]] and [[mudding]].

* [[Defensive computing]]

::(Note: this is a little strong in that '''gaming''' can be a respected form of [[training]] and [[education]]; [[Augmented_reality|augmented reality]] is getting serious money behind it; ...)

* [[End-user interfacedevelopment]]

* ''[[Journal of Organizational and End User Computing]]''

== See also ==

* [[Knowledge-Based_Engineeringbased engineering]]

* [[Situational application]]

* [[Software engineering]]

* [[Usability]]

* [[Usability engineering]]

* [[userUser (computing)interface]]

* [[endUser-usercentered (computer science)design]]

* [[usability]]

==References==

* [[user interface]]

{{Reflist}}

* [[computer systems]]

* [[Scientific method#Computational approaches|Scientific method]]

* [[Knowledge-Based_Engineering]]

* [[computer addiction]]

* [[Mobile phones and driving safety]]

* [[digital persona]]

* [[luser]]

==External links==

* [http://eusesconsortium.org/ EUSES Consortium, a collaboration that researches end -user computing.]

* [https://www.researchgate.net/publication/308778531_RELATIONSHIP_BETWEEN_LEADERSHIP_AND_MORTGAGE_BANKING_END-USER_COMPUTING_EFFICIENCY Relationship Between Leadership and EUC Efficiency]

{{comp-sci-stub}}

[[Category:SoftwareHuman–computer engineeringinteraction]]