End-user computing: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 22:30, 22 April 2006

Revision as of 00:48, 23 April 2006

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{{cleanupdate|April 13}}

'''End User Computing''' can mean several things. However, 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.).

==Definition==

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]].

''End User Computing'' (EUC) 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.

Some of the issues related to End User Computing concern architecture (iconic versus language interface, open versus closed, ...). These continue to be studied.

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.

Other issues relate to IP, configuration, maintenance, ...

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 learn one console, they will be able to operate all consoles. Addmitedly each console will have new components, but training is limited to those, not the whole console.

End User Computing has a range of forms and values. Most early computer systems were tightly controlled by an IT department. Users were just that. The advent of the personal workstation opened up the door, so to speak.

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.

End User Computing allows more user input into system affairs that can range from personalization to full-fledged ownership of the system.

==Trend==

Examples of End User Computing are [[ICAD]] (Example of the pervasive use of [[Lisp_programming_language|Lisp]] by [[Engineers]]), [[SQL]], ...

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.

==Research Futures ==

*'''Slogan 1''': good '''End User Computing''' practices might help temper things such as the [[AI Winter]].

*'''Slogan 2''': the computational needs to wed with the phenomenal (are 'borgs' inevitable?).

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 Hàny ([[Chinese language]]), [[Japanese]] and [[Arabic]] have different requirements.

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.

==Addiction==

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

== See also ==

* [[Software engineering]]

* [[Software engineering]], [[Usability engineering]], [[user (computing)]], [[end-user (computer science)]], [[usability]], [[user interface]], [[computer systems]]

* [[computer addiction]], [[Mobile phones and driving safety]], [[digital persona]], [[luser]]

==External links==