UTCAT:
Applying Design Principles
to an Online Catalog
by John Kupersmith
In Walt Crawford, ed.,
The Online Catalog Book,
(New York: G.K. Hall, 1992), pp. 507-520.
© 1992 Walt Crawford
ABSTRACT
Eliel Saarinen's maxim, "Always design a thing by considering it in its next larger context," is highly applicable to online catalogs and other public-access computer systems. The UTCAT online catalog at the University of Texas at Austin has been shaped by the context in which is it used.
This paper discusses the UTCAT system in light of the design principles that were developed for the system in 1983:
- Novice users should be able to operate the system without assistance.
- Experienced users should be able to operate the system with a minimum of interference from instructions, menus, etc. aimed at the novice.
- The system should be programmed to eliminate or forgive common errors in operation (including alternative commands likely to be entered by users).
- All functions and displays should be designed primarily to lead to successful action by the user; technical accuracy of the information displayed is secondary.
- All instructions should be conveyed through the screen; external signage and other forms of instruction should be held to an absolute minimum.
- All text displayed should be in plain English using unambiguous words and active verbs.
- Terminology, syntax, etc. should be consistent throughout the system and all related instructions and publicity.
Two additional principles are not discussed in the paper:
- The limited scope of the data base should be clearly presented to avoid the common assumption that the computer "has everything."
- The system should be clearly identified by name and publicized in an appropriate way; publicity should be positive but not misleading.
RELATED LINKS
- Connect to UTCAT via Telnet.
- UTNetCAT, a subsequently developed Web version.
- UT Library Online, the web site of the University of Texas at Austin General Libraries.
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