The DSSAT User Interface - A Survey Most computer users now expect software to have a graphical user interface (GUI). The DSSAT shell and various tools within DSSAT will have to evolve to meet this expectation. To guide future development of DSSAT, we have prepared this short survey to solicit user input. Please take the time to fill it in. We are particularly interested in comments. Return the survey by FORWARDING your edited version of this message to: [log in to unmask] (If you use the REPLY option, your response will automatically go to the DSSAT listserver.) 1. YOUR USER PROFILE. Mark the category that fits you best: farmer/grower ag-consultant extension/outreach student instructor/teaching researcher -- model applications researcher -- model development software developer other ______________________ 2. PLEASE RESPOND TO THE FOLLOWING ASSERTIONS BY RATING EACH ONE ON A SCALE FROM 1 TO 5, WHERE 1 = STRONGLY DISAGREE AND 5 = STRONGLY AGREE ___ a. The new GUI should closely mimic the present structure of pull down menus (e.g., Data, Models, Analyses ...). ___ b. The new GUI should be customizable, so users can create an interface that matches their specific needs. ___ c. Ease of use for experienced users should be emphasized over ease for beginners or infrequent users. ___ d. The new GUI should still be called "DSSAT." Comments: ___________________________________________ 3. PLEASE RATE THE FOLLOWING PARTS of DSSAT3 FOR THE QUALITY OF THE USER INTERFACE. USE A 1 TO 5 SCALE WHERE 1 = VERY DEFICIENT AND 5 = VERY GOOD ___ a. Experiment description/definition (XCREATE) ___ b. Entry of experimental results (TACREATE -- in beta version of DSSAT3.1) ___ c. Weather data tools: data entry/export ___ d. Weather data tools: data analysis ___ d. Soils data tools: retrieving existing data ___ d. Soils data tools: estimating parameters for new profiles ___ e. Actual simulation models ___ f. Graphical display of outputs ___ g. Seasonal analysis tools ___ h. Sequential analysis tools ___ i. Spatial analysis tools (in beta version of DSSAT3.1) ___ j. Tools for managing lists of files (e.g., of experiments) ___ k. General database programs (e.g., in Background) Comments: ___________________________________________ 4. OF THE MODULES LISTED IN QUESTION 3: a. Which three do you use the most: _____, _____, _____ b. Which three do you never use or use the least: _____, _____, _____ c. Which do you find the most confusing or hard to use: _____, _____, _____ Comments: __________________________________________ 5. CAN YOU SUGGEST OTHER CROP MODEL OR SIMILAR INTERFACES THAT WOULD PROVIDE USEFUL INSIGHTS INTO DESIGN OF THE DSSAT GUI: ___________________________________________ 6. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY OTHER COMMENTS ON HOW WE CAN IMPROVE THE DSSAT USER INTERFACE: ___________________________________________ 7. WHICH VERSION OF DSSAT DO YOU CURRENTLY USE: 2.X ____ 3.0 ____ 3.1 ____ NONE ____ Results of this survey will be summarized and distributed on the DSSAT listserver. Thank you for your assistance.