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.