ABSTRACT
Generating and delivering outputs is the main purpose of designing and building a computer-based system. Therefore, the design of outputs assumes significant importance. The users needing outputs from the system are basically two types, namely internal and external users. Internal users are further classified into transaction processors, senior management, and system administration users. External users are further classified into individual guest users, individual registered users, individual paying users, and reorganizational users. The output requirements differ from one class of users to another. While it is possible to obtain the output requirements from internal users, it is not that easy to obtain the output requirements of external users. The software design team needs to come up with the design of outputs for external users with minimal information from marketing and organizational management. Then, the outputs are classified into softcopy outputs and hardcopy outputs. Softcopy outputs are delivered to the screens, network, files, machines, and database tables. Hardcopy outputs are delivered on paper through a printer or plotter. The design of output to all of these media requires a separate design perspective. We need to define the requirements for each class of outputs as well as for each class of users and then design each of the outputs carefully. All these aspects are discussed in this chapter.
