The HP TouchSmart machine

- Abstract of the problem (brief summary statement from prior document)

The HP TouchSmart machine doesn’t contain good apps that provide client with touchable interface to interact with by touching the screen with their fingers.

- Requirements

            - identify what is needed in order to solve this problem

In order to solve the problem, the HP TouchSmart machine needs to have good apps that support touch features completely. First, I would search and investigate good apps in Windows store. Then, I would choose apps based on their categories that the client needs. Next, I would install appropriate apps on the HP TouchSmart machine. After that, I should test the apps and their functions and make sure everything work smoothly. Thus, the client would be happy and enjoy using the HP TouchSmart machine because it provides efficient apps within enjoyable touch screen.

            - identify user interface concerns and goals

The client and users are concerns about the lack of apps on the HP TouchSmart machine. On the other hand, client goal is to have interface that contain appropriate apps which work efficiently with the touch feature. Then, it would provide convenient and interesting user interface. At the same time, navigation shouldn’t be extended in order to prevent confused. Moreover, Windows 8 provides colorful titles and obvious icons on its navigation. The client doesn’t concern about how the HP TouchSmart machine performs its function behind screen, he really concerns about how the apps convenient and fast to his touches on the screen without using mouse or keyboard. Even though the Start menu is vanished, the user interface on the HP TouchSmart machine became useable.  

            - identify and describe required outputs (what information needs to be generated)

After we install good apps on the HP TouchSmart machine, we should be able to interact with touch screen using our fingers without relying on either keyboard or mouse. The client should see clear user interfaces that simplify apps’ functions. The client could interact with HP TouchSmart machine by touching the screen. First, the client could move the pages or app’s component by touching and then swiping it down or across the edge screen. Second, he could move from an app to another by touching and then swiping the left edge. Third, he would be able to zoom an app by touching the screen with two fingers and dragging it with holding. Third, he would be able to move items in apps by touching an item with holding and move it to another place. Fourth, he would be able to choose and select in apps by doubling click on a specific title or symbol. Fifth, he would be able to close an app by touching the app with holding and dragging it down.

Source: Windows. (Microsoft, 2013). How-to http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/app-commands#1TC=t1

            - identify constraints of the project

The main constraint in this project is the deadline, which is May 3, 2013. The location is another constraint because the HP TouchSmart machine is placed on the entrance of Computer Science department which make it hard to investigate and install applications. 

            - determine constraints of the product

The HP TouchSmart machine is a constraint because I couldn’t choose the device, and it is already there. In addition, this HP TouchSmart machine has Windows 8 installed on which is another constraint because there some applications that don’t work on Windows 8.    

            - provide a meeting transcript of questions/answers with client

I tried to meet my client, but I couldn’t, so I stopped by for a minute. However, I sent questions via email, and I didn’t get a response so far.  

I did rewrite the questionnaire to be more specific and clear:

1.    What is the model of the HP TouchSmart machine that you have problem with?

2.    Is HP TouchSmart machine constrained by password against any change?

3.    If so, could you provide me, so I can investigate problems?

4.    Is there an HP administrator that I can contact with?

5.    Do all applications on the HP TouchSmart machine provide the touch feature?

6.    If not, could please tell me which programs aren’t working by touching?

7.    Do you like the way that user interfaces are presented?

8.    If not, which part would you like to be changed?

9.    Are all applications on HP Touchsmart machine still working well after its software was upgraded to Windows 8?

10.  If not, Could you list the applications?

11.  When and where could I start investigating the HP TouchSmart machine?

12.  Ultimately, do you want to add anything?

            - list tradeoffs and alternative requirements

-Tablet (touch device)

- New HP TouchSmart machine with Windows 7

            - rank requirements in order of importance

1)      Boooks and reference apps

2)      Social apps

3)      News and weather apps

4)       Entertainment apps

5)      Education apps

            - identify research areas to investigate in order to solve the problem

I should search and read about HP TouchSmart machine as a device and its software programs. After that, I would work with the TouchSmart machine to be familiar with it. Then, I should look for applications that would work fully on Windows 8 and support touch function very well. 

            - develop an abstract idea of the required solution

The solution would be, installed applications that would demonstrate touch on the HP TouchSmart screen and work on Windows 8 perfectly.

            - identify what you anticipate to be the most difficult parts of the project

The most difficult part is prototyping in the requirement phase because I didn’t have enough information about the problem. Also, investigating the efficient apps that would provide client and users a great touch interface is difficult, too.  

Technology makes our life more convenient and simple specially TouchSmart computers that allow us to work with computers without constraints such as mouse and keyboard. However, we still need to keep software programs and applications update up to date by upgrading them. Moreover, we should choose appropriate applications and programs, and that would be depending upon either users, clients or both.

 In my project, I would investigate, install, and configure good applications that would be appropriate to my client by investigating applications that would demonstrate touch features on the HP TouchSmart machine at Computer Science department. Furthermore, those applications should be simple and useable. Those apps should run within efficient and convenient Windows 8 environment. Also, they would be presented in a creative way.