Acknowledging intellectual property of others

In the process of creating my project I will need to consider where I am sourcing my data, code and images from. I have already used an image from Google for my screen designs so I need to reference the source. I will also need to ensure that if I get any music/audio for my project that I make sure I am using it in a socially and ethically responsible way. I will need to ensure that if I use code that I haven’t written (i.e. open source) that I reference it. I also need to record if I get any assistance and what the person helped me with to ensure that it is my own work. I need to record and reference in an appropriate formal manner and respect the intellectual property of others.

 

Producing quality software solutions

For the client’s sake, the program has to be good quality. In a commercial setting if someone is paying you to develop software then they expect it to work as they expected at a high quality. The same applies for my project; even though the clients are only hypothetical it is important that I consider their needs for a high quality software solution. This means executing every stage of the project to a high, consistent standard.

 

Appropriately responding to user-identified problems

Continuous client communication means that I can get regular feedback on the advantages and disadvantages/problem of my program at any stage. I will need to ensure that not only do I ask for the client’s opinion but I also implement/consider any changes that they suggest (appropriate to the program) or fix problems that they identify. I also need to ensure that the user feels that their input is valued so I need to ensure that when I do respond, that I do it in a respectful and considerate manner. The clients play a crucial role in the development of software so it is important that they feel like someone is taking their problems into consideration. This will ensure respect from both parties and a better final result.

 

Adhering to code of conduct

To ensure a high quality, functioning and ethically aware software solution I need to adhere to the code of conduct. This means that I need to:

• Develop a high quality & effective solution

• Acquire and maintain professional competence

• Know and respect existing laws

• Give thorough and clear evaluations of my software solution, its impact and an analysis of risks

• Be aware of social responsibilities and accept them

• Ensure users of the system have their needs articulated during assessment and design of requirements.

• Evaluate system to meet user requirements.

This is a crucial part of the software development process. It will make the project better and everyone involved be more supportive of the software. In a commercial setting this means not only avoiding legal cases but also creating a good image for the software company.

 

Neither generating nor transmitting malware

If I add any new data or software to my computer then I need to make sure that it does not contain viruses. I need to ensure I am not transmitting malware through removable media from my computer to the user. I need to put measurements in place to check the software and my computer for malware. I need to ensure I am not downloading anything that may contain malware. The user has the right to expect that the software is free of malware and the software developer needs to make sure they take responsibility for this.

 

Addressing ergonomic issues in software design

I need to make sure that my program is ergonomic. This means that I need to consider readability i.e. colours, size of font, style of font and images I use. The system needs to be clear and easy to use to prevent straining. The user interface is the connection between the program and the user so it needs to be intuitive allowing the user to work how they want. The program needs to be easy to learn and use, if not it can cause the user to spend unnecessary time sitting at a computer which could cause straining. To ensure that my software design is ergonomic I will need to set standards and evaluate my compliance with them at every stage of the project, this may include:

• Use large font (size 12 = smallest)

•  Ensure that the colours are easily distinguishable i.e. don’t put yellow and light orange next to one another. (If the user is color-blind they may not be able to distinguish between similar colours.)

• Ensure the selection boxes are large and easy to click on

• The screen should be large to ensure readability

 

Ensuring software addresses inclusivity issues

I need to make sure that my program respects all cultural background i.e. if I use images they cant be culturally offensive. Any symbols that I use need to be clear to people from all cultures and backgrounds to ensure inclusivity. If I do a tutorial for users I need to ensure that I am using images that will not offend any type of user. I also need to ensure that my software takes into consideration economic background. The individual needs some kind of electronic device so this does exclude a certain amount of people but the majority does have access to a smartphone, computer or tablet. If I were to price my software I would need to consider the nature of the market, the economic background of my target market and the quality associated. However I am taking this into consideration already as my software will eliminate the need for artists and curators to rent/buy/hire an exhibition space. I also need to consider my design in terms if gender. It can’t be gender specific if it is to be inclusive. Lastly I need to consider if the user has a disability, will my software meet their needs. Obviously if the user is completely paralyzed then they will find it too difficult to use my system but if they have visual or hearing disabilities then I need to make sure that the interface is clear and the sound (if I have any) is adjustable.

 

Ensuring individuals privacy is not compromised  

I will not need the user to enter any personal information into the system however I still need to ensure that my system doesn’t need access to other files on the individual’s computer to work. If it does then there needs to be terms and conditions for the user to read and accept/decline. The system should not be accessing information that is not related to the tasks of the program. The artist needs to be guaranteed that their gallery is not available to everyone unless they want to distribute it. If the artist uploads their own artwork to the gallery and then the gallery distributes it then this can cause copyright issues.