Started on menu page

Created a navigation form that allows user to switch pages between input form and address book form in the same window. I'm now trying to figure out how to add query as a tab as it seems that only forms are allowed to exist as a single tab. Also I'm trying to make the input contacts form refresh automatically when opened so you can always start with a blank page.

Progress of 7th, Dec

Created a new query after looking through tutorials of it on the Internet. few buttons finalizing my contacts input page, planning on menu page. With some use of Photoshop.

New Problem discovered

When constructing the actual database I created few phone number input fields and selected Number as for DataType initially. However, I've realized it's not appropriate to only allow numbers when it comes to phone numbers because there're are some special numbers that requires some symbols such as '+' sign and '#' sign. So after all the DataType is changed to text with a limited field size of 15 characters.

Actual Products Problems

I've started on constructing the actual product since last week. And while making it I've encountered various obstacles. For example, I am now trying to let the database save the information and enter it into the database by simply a click and I'm not sure about how to do it yet.javascript:void(0)

Final Proposal and Brainstorm diagram complete

Final Proposal and Brainstorm diagram complete, ready to produce the database. Screenshots shown:

Draft Introduction and Proposal complete

Finished the introduction of the situation, and also a draft version of proposal for the solution is completed. Working half way through my brainstorm of ideas... (extra specification that can be added later).

21st,Oct,2010: Submitted Introduction + Proposal [DRAFT] to teacher
Today: Emailed my client about the update introduction and proposal details

Next step is to keep working on finals of the proposal and to work on the brainstorm. Get prepared to start working on practical product.

Future Planning - Week 1 starting Oct 5th

My plan for next stage is to finalize my thoughts and start writing up final proposals and stuff. But before that, I would need to construct a mind map (brainstorm) to help me explore my client's needs, also ideas and thoughts on the product in more detail, while listing the possible specifications that my client might wanted/needed, and analysis what type of product will best meet his needs. More on the detailed side.

Further communications with client-Deciding on which form of media would suit his needs

Few days ago, I had the opportunity to call my client and had a brief discussion with him about the project. After further email communications, I found out what he really want is still a database.

Consulting my teacher, it is possible to construct a database to meet my client's requirements and needs. In fact, since he wanted a system to look up for a number of different information,whilst comparing them, a database is more specified on this area as it can have multiple queries that sorts different type of information into one. Still, multiple queries can be opened at the same time for comparison as well. In terms of searching, a database is a lot more detailed and specific than a spreadsheet, only that the display is not as fancy, but according to my client, "Customer Services, is big for small business, I need to make customers feel important and remembered, so instant access to their information is key."
So the important part is access to information but not fancy interface.

I also emailed my client to come up with some extra detailed ideas, as long as some specifications suggested by myself that he might have adopted.

Starting with some basic ideas...

I have communicated with my client via emails, and the first detailed reply I got is that he wants a database for a driving school. However, I have identified his needs and suggested him that he probably needs a spreadsheet instead in my reply.

Email History:
Ok, so say I have a driving school. I need a database where I can quickly input my students' name, number, type of class (refresh, car leasing, lessons) and other personal information. I would like all the information to be in one database, but also I would like tabs/filters that separates them in to groups. For example, class starting 2010/5/13 contains Amy, Abby and Bryan... class 2009/12/31 contains Mike, Kwan.... and other groups/filters like male vs female, age, etc, whatever a driving school may be interested finding out about their target market. And maybe a notification whenever a students birthday comes up, so we can remind them of us and hopefully they will spread words of us to their friends and family.

My reply:
My teacher said in your case what you want is really a spreadsheet but not database, because as I have told you, spreadsheets can form programs like booking systems used in cinemas, and seeing that you want tabs and filters to separate them into groups, using spreadsheet is perfect for that. In fact, we did actually construct something similar for a music school last term, where we can book lessons and input customer's information, etc. So in your case I suggest adding something else that a driving school may need such as coaches assigned to each class, how many people each class contains and how many people are required for each class to operate, etc.

So this is a list of things you might need in the spreadsheet:
Customers' information
Lookup function (searching each customers)
Notification for birthday?
Different classes
Booking function
classification of gender, age, etc.
Coaches detail and associated with which classes
etc. You may list them