User requirements for a bracing design program

Abstract

The computer program BraceS was written to encompass and facilitate the use of the bracing requirements of NZS 3604:1990. These have been substantially revised in this edition of the code, and are now very complex, disjointed, and often rather incomprehensible. The program is to be used by architects, designers, local authorities and others in the building industry. The requirements of these persons, with often little knowledge of computer operation, is for a program which is easy to operate and learn and has the quality usually described as user friendly. A literature search was conducted to find definitions of user friendliness, and for descriptions and analysis of features which could help provide this. General concepts such as user confidence and motivation, and program predictability, escapability and security were found to be required. BraceS was written using a compiled spreadsheet program. Methods to utilise the features found above for this type of programming were sought, both in literature and practical experience of similarly written programs. Testing of BraceS on potential users was carried out during its development to obtain reactions to its user-friendliness, and determine where problems with its usability existed, and what might be done to improve them. A new version of the program was written, which should better suit the minimal computer expertise of the expected end users. This will available for use in by architects, designers and others in the New Zealand building industry.