Discussion
Discussion
The following recommendations summarize observations made in the claims analysis of the scenarios.
Users avoid using the hierarchical main menu of Banner, because it contains much extraneous information and their personal notes better indicate which form fits their task. Also, there are a number of columns in the forms (such as account listings), which convey useless information to most users. Customizable forms and menus would add convenience and make the interface easier to use.
Working with reports is just as common as performing inquiries in Banner Finance. Requiring separate applications for inquiries, report printing, and downloading report data adds additional complexities to tasks. A single, consistent application would reduce the number of steps and the mental load required to use the system.
Printing from Banner Finance may not be an everyday task, but when desired it should be hassle free. Users should be able to print all of the data within a form rather than simple screen captures. This recommendation will reduce the time spent on printing as well as the post printing time, which is generally spent on cutting, taping, and pasting the hardcopy output.
Banner Finance users are primarily concerned with numeric data. This data needs to be visible and easy to read. Changing the grayed amounts and totals to bold text would facilitate this. Also, the number values would be easy to read in the case where a record is selected with the blue highlight.
During the interviews we paid attention to non-functional aspects of Banner Finance. Despite the fact that these aspects are not directly related to the Banner user interface, they seem to have a great impact on users' productivity and overall experience.
All interviewed users experienced slow response from the Banner servers. One user could spend all day trying to retrieve a report from Brio. Similarly, other users complained about not being able to connect to Brio.
In addition to problems with client-server communication, one user mentioned that the version that runs on Macintosh differs from the PC-version, where the Macintosh version lacks some handy buttons. Also, this user commented that Banner Finance ran considerably slower on a Macintosh than on a PC, but this could be due to outdated hardware on his Macintosh.
Most university employees were well familiar with FRS, the information system at Virginia Tech that has been used for many years. The transition to Banner means that these employees have to learn how to use the new system. This relearning process is difficult and sometimes frustrating. The differences between Banner Finance and FRS are great, even the finance terminology has changed.
Introduction of the new system resulted in formation of Fiscal Bunch-for-Lunch group. The members of this organization are employees, who use Banner Finance, and share their experience with others. Through this network or employees, many users resolve their problems efficiently through email or in person. Also, the members feel that a request for system change from the Fiscal Bunch-for-Lunch is more effective than a request from an individual.