Designing for special needs requires flexibility and participation of the end user in the design process. Computers need to be designed for the extremes NOT just the mean. Usability Engineering Usability engineering includes a systems approach, iterative design, and evaluation. The whole systems takes into account hardware, software, and 'personwear'. The person is the crux of usability.
Iterative design includes three major stages.
The first stage is an initial design based on specifications and guidelines, followed by a prototype design stage which develops an initial interface subsequently re-designed through formative evaluation, and a final design stage which produces an operational interface that can be tested through summative evaluation. User evaluation is central to the iterative design process, and a variety of experimental design methods and ethnographic procedures are available to support this effort. Requirements for Academe Design a usable electronic world that is user centered. Provide technology infrastructure with strong electronic connectivity and adequate support personnel to provide expertise to new users. Improve user training.