Browsing by Subject "information architecture"
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Item Improving Usability and Reducing Overload Among Physicians Within the Veterans Affairs (VA) Hospital Using EHR Systems(2023-08-28) Felder, Jordan; Summers, Kathryn; Blodgett, Bridget; University of Baltimore. Yale Gordon College of Arts and Sciences; University of Baltimore. Master of Science in Interaction Design and Information ArchitectureThe Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Centers implemented the Bar Code Medication Administration (BCMA) into their practices between 1999 and 2000. The BCMA has significantly influenced physicians' daily workflows, with electronic systems helping to reduce medication errors. However, cognitive overload and related issues are common, highlighting the need for more intensive research on the Electronic Medication Administration Record (eMARs) to find solutions that alleviate these challenges for physicians. This research aims to identify the current usability problems in the Veteran's Affairs (VA's) hospital's eMAR/BCMA system and investigate how these systems contribute to physician overload, leading to medical errors and suboptimal patient outcomes.Item Infotecture: Gauging Where Physical Architecture and Information Architecture Merge and Divide(2018-07-18) Pollard, Sean; Walsh, Greg; Kohl, Deborah; Yale Gordon College of Arts and Sciences; Interaction Design Information Architecture (IDIA)This thesis examined the problem of a lack of universal information architecture (IA) design standard in the realm of information technology (IT), resulting in over-diversity, bad IA, best practices disarray, and substantialized user disconnect. Literature-based research observed for potential, metaphorical arcade overlaps within IA, and physical architectural periscopes extending beyond the mere use of the word architecture. This architectural potential was given the makeshift term Infotecture: Both the element of potential and its potentiality to merge the two fields through intentional overlap and application. It was proposed and examined that if arcade periscopes, or metaphorical columns and arch constructs, as well as their supporting architectural design principles, align with the context of the word architecture within IA and its design languages then such a correlation should be considered in future dialogue and integration into best practices. It was concluded that infotecture proved inconclusive without further empirical data, but documented user-research eye tracking video data revealing uniform user responses to proposed cognitive arcades within a simulation as considered within the literature review. This proved reflected in universal broadening and narrowing visual query patterns in all participants when operating the architecturally influential driving simulation used in the user-research eye tracking investigation. The eye tracking data was further supported by insightful feedback from test participants when interviewed and debriefed after participation. The contributions to a solution to the problem were observational recommendations for future designers geared toward the identifying, consideration, and possible integration of the mental models, founding principles and structural aesthetics of Roman architect Vitruvius and others by future information architects into future IA and simulative designs.Item Mobile search engines for senior citizens: design challenges and opportunities(2015-01) Kerber, Nicole R.; Summers, Kathryn; University of Baltimore. School of Information Arts and Technologies; University of Baltimore. Master of Science in Information Design and Information ArchitectureAlthough the Internet has the potential to enrich the lives of many individuals, senior citizens report having a difficult and frustrating time using the Internet to obtain information they need--particularly when trying to find information using mobile devices. While there are many reasons why this problem occurs, some studies indicate that websites are poorly designed for mobile access. In particular, the mobile versions of sites do not take into account issues that adults may face as they get older. Although there is ample information on how children and adults search the web using desktop devices, little research and insight has been provided for how older adults, or senior citizens, interact with and use mobile search engines, not just websites. To date, 76% of wired seniors have used a search engine to find information, compared to 80% of all Internet users; and, as mobile device technology continues to grow in popularity seniors report their willingness to use mobile devices (smartphones and tablets) in their daily lives. As a result, additional research is needed to see how this population interacts with and uses mobile devices, particularly mobile search engines, as they go about their daily routine. This thesis focuses on mobile search engine design for senior citizens, explores how seniors use mobile search in conjunction with other screens and across multiple devices, addresses cognitive issues that confronts disabled seniors as they age, and provides suggested design guidelines for user experience architects to utilize when designing mobile-friendly search engines that will be senior-friendly.Item Understanding the basis behind undergraduate' pre-existing perceptions of the library in order to improve library help services(2016-05) Ng, Veronica Ling Ling; Holman, Lucy; University of Baltimore. School of Information Arts and Technologies; University of Baltimore. Master of Science in Information Design and Information ArchitectureStudies on the topic of library use by millennial students have called for more qualitative studies to support the quantitative data. This study used a survey and face-to-face interviews to collect qualitative data from freshmen students at the University of Baltimore, in order to better understand the mental model that students have of the library's information organization system as well as the basis of students'perceptions of the library and its services. The responses to the survey provided insight into students' basic understanding of the library online catalog's information organization system. Other findings from the survey and interviews generally support those in other similar studies and several new themes were identified in the students' perception of the library in relation to their academic work. Together, these insights offer suggestions into ways that librarians can better support students in terms of reference services and library information.Item Using crowd sourcing to change the real estate landscape(2016-05) Fasolo, Pamela Jean; Walsh, Greg; University of Baltimore. School of Information Arts and Technologies; University of Baltimore. Master of Science in Information Design and Information ArchitectureBuying a home is the single largest purchase a person will make in their lifetime and often the most difficult decision. In the past, new home buyers would rely on realtors to assist them in their home search. But as internet usage grows, more and more consumers are taking their home search online. There are now several websites on the market where consumers can view home listings and connect with realtors for more information. 90% of homebuyers start their home search online (National Association of Realtors, (NAR), 2013). In addition, during the home buying process, many consumers will go online to seek advice on topics such as mortgages, the real estate market, the best neighborhoods, and what details to look for during a showing. For many online tasks, users will go to crowd sourcing to help them make their buying decisions. For things such as choosing a restaurant or a book to read, or purchasing an appliance, many users seek online customer reviews or comments before making a buying decision. Websites such as Yelp, Amazon, or Glassdoor allow for customer reviews of their experiences. When it comes to buying a home, realtors and real estate experts have ownership of online listings and real estate advice. But consumers are looking for advice from their peers, and trust online reviews left by users in their community. When it comes to online listings posted by a realtor, the listing can be vague, and include misleading photos that have been photo shopped or use wide angle lenses, and important details can be left out. Advice from peers can be more trustworthy than those of professionals who may not have the buyers' best interests in mind. This thesis is about the research and design of a new, potential website that could change the way users views online listings. The website, which would also include a corresponding app, would allow for users to post comments and photos of real estate listings or neighborhoods in real time. The thesis will be a study of trust in online reviews and real estate professionals, homebuyers' personal experiences, and user testing for a new site.