Explanation
Primary user
A user who uses the interactive system for its intended purpose.
Examples of primary users:
1. A bank customer who uses a cash dispenser to withdraw money is a primary user of the cash dispenser.
2. A call centre operative who uses a reservation system to reserve cars for customers is a primary user of the reservation system.
Secondary user
A user who carries out support tasks with the interactive system, for example to maintain it or to train primary users.
Note: 1.
Secondary users - in particular maintenance staff - typically interact with a different user interface than primary users. This user interface also requires context analysis and specification of user requirements to be usable.
Examples of secondary users:
1. A user who prints a document on a printer is a primary user of the printer. When the same user a moment later changes the ink on the printer, he or she is a secondary user of the printer.
2. A bank employee who restocks a cash dispenser with cash is a secondary user of the cash dispenser.
3. A trainer who teaches a call centre operative how to use a car reservation system is a secondary user of the reservation system.
Indirect user
A user who uses the output of the interactive system, but who does not interact directly with the interactive system.
Examples of indirect users:
1. A bank customer who receives a paper or electronic statement is an indirect user of the bank's computer system.
2. A customer who contacts the call centre to reserve a car is an indirect user of the computer system used by the call centre operative to make the reservation