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Audience & Purpose (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE ICT)

Revision Note

Robert Hampton

Written by: Robert Hampton

Reviewed by: James Woodhouse

Updated on

Planning ICT Solutions

What is audience & purpose?

  • An audience is the specific group of users that will be using the ICT solution

  • The purpose is why the ICT solution was created

  • Before designing an ICT solution it is important to understand:

    • Audience characteristics

    • The needs of the audience

Characteristics of an audience

Characteristic

Description

Age

  • Younger audiences are generally open to new interfaces

  • Older audiences may prefer a more intuitive design and require training

Location

  • Cultural references

  • Access to high speed internet

  • Language

Education & technical skill

  • Determines the level of complexity they can handle

Interests

  • How can the solution cater to users interests?

  • Influence design elements and user experience

Accessibility needs

  • Does the solution cater to users with:

    • visual impairments

    • hearing impairments

  • Is the interface accessible to users with limited mobility?

Case Study

Designing a new educational game

What are the needs of the audience?

Factor

Impact

Age

  • Younger audiences would require simple mechanics & more visual cues

  • Older audiences would require more complex mechanics, longer gameplay and ability to make more choices

Location

  • Characters and storyline designed to connect with cultural background of users

  • Multiple language options

Education & technical skill

  • Low education levels focus on clear and precise instructions and tutorials

  • High education levels focus on more abstract concepts and

  • Design an intuitive interface which can be used on multiple devices

Interests

  • Consider themes and genres that will appeal to an audiences interests

  • If possible, give users a choice of theme/genre

Accessibility needs

  • Screen readers

  • High contrast mode

  • Closed captions

  • Transcripts

  • Alternative control methods (e.g. voice commands)

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    Author
    Reviewer
    Robert Hampton

    Author: Robert Hampton

    Expertise: Computer Science Content Creator

    Rob has over 16 years' experience teaching Computer Science and ICT at KS3 & GCSE levels. Rob has demonstrated strong leadership as Head of Department since 2012 and previously supported teacher development as a Specialist Leader of Education, empowering departments to excel in Computer Science. Beyond his tech expertise, Robert embraces the virtual world as an avid gamer, conquering digital battlefields when he's not coding.

    James Woodhouse

    Author: James Woodhouse

    Expertise: Computer Science

    James graduated from the University of Sunderland with a degree in ICT and Computing education. He has over 14 years of experience both teaching and leading in Computer Science, specialising in teaching GCSE and A-level. James has held various leadership roles, including Head of Computer Science and coordinator positions for Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4. James has a keen interest in networking security and technologies aimed at preventing security breaches.