the Importance of User Interface and Other Additional Features

Believe it or not, the success of a software package does not solely depend on what the software can do. Rather, a software package’s success leans heavily on what it allows the user to do. Now, you may be thinking, what’s the difference between the two? And why the big beef between both?

There have been, as history has taught us, many aspiring software systems that have inadvertently flopped due to the fact that they are so complex to navigate that users have a hard time using these systems. These systems may have had the engine of a race car, it was just so complicated that the users could only get it running at a snails pace.

Today, many software developers have learned from this lesson and are trying their best to create software that is both powerful, and easy to use. They have come to a point where usability is more important than power.

Many systems, such as UNIX, and Linux, have come a far way from the-text based days of yore. These systems have always bitten the dust of the Microsoft and Apple based OS’s because – even though they were cheap, reliable, and powerful – they didn’t have that easy to use dashboard feel that users are comfortable with. Today, Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs) for these systems have come to a point where they can be considered a respectable alternative to the major OS’s around.

When looking for a system to invest in, one may be bedazzled by the specifications and power the package seems to offer. However, one must also be discriminate when considering the usability of the package. Here are a few tips to help one decide on the software package to choose.

1. Usability – is the software usable? How do you interface with the program? If the software you are considering has an interface that is cluttered, with buttons in areas that are illogical and ill-organized, you will have to reconsider you package.

On the other hand, you will also have to be wary when the interface is too simple, it may be that the software may not be able to perform too much. Remember that things should be reduced to its simplest form, but not simpler – that’s from Einstein.

You may also want to benchmark the use of the software. For example, how many steps and how long does it take for you to perform a task using certain software in comparison to a rival’s software package? Asking yourself this question will help you find software that is usable and powerful at the same time.

2. Integration – integration in software systems means that it is easy to move data from application to application. Many great software applications allow you imbed varying data and tasks into one interface. The time you save by working with all your data and tasks from one launch pad compared to having to switch from application to application all the while converting data will amount to a monumental savings on your part.

While not everything can be fully integrated, a system that makes everything organized and simple to migrate is what you are looking for. You will be delighted at how much time you can save by moving data seamlessly from application to application.

3. Collaboration – One of the best ways to increase efficiency and facilitate production is to facilitate means for better collaboration. The best software systems allow people to collaborate on a single project while being on different workstations. This allows people to contribute talent in a seamless and efficient manner.

4. Communications – if a software system allows for better communication then it will most certainly improve production. Most of delays in production are due to miscommunication and the wasted effort that results from such. If a software system provides for a means to communicate, effectively, clearly and concisely, then you have in your hands a clear winner.

Conclusion
Power is not everything, but is manifested in how much it allows it users to do. Therefore a system that is usable, and allows for better organization, along with better communication will save more time than a powerful system alone. If you can find a combination of both, then all the more the better.