Software Design for Accessibility and Green IT Development Concepts

This assignment delves into the concepts of Green IT and software development, focusing on designing software solutions that cater to the needs of clients with disabilities, specifically those who are blind or visually impaired, and those who are hearing impaired. It explores the use of assistive technologies, such as screen readers and speech synthesizers, to make software accessible. Furthermore, the assignment addresses the importance of Green ICT in reducing carbon footprints and promoting sustainability. It suggests practical steps like turning off PCs when not in use, utilizing software to monitor power consumption, and opting for energy-efficient hardware like laptops. The assignment emphasizes the significance of environmentally friendly practices in the software development lifecycle, including the disposal and manufacturing processes. The provided references support the arguments presented, highlighting the importance of green chemistry and resource efficiency in achieving a sustainable and eco-friendly approach to software development. This assignment aims to provide students with the knowledge and skills to design software that is both accessible and environmentally responsible.

Running head: CONCEPTS OF GREEN IT AND SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT
Concepts of Green IT and Software Development
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author’s note

1CONCEPTS OF GREEN IT AND SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT
Question 1
The different ways in which a software developer can design software and applications
for:
Blind or Visually Impaired clients –In order to help a client having such a disability,
the software developer can develop a specialized hardware or software within the perspective of
assistive technology in order to operate different software products. They can also develop a
software that might make use of screen reader program associated with a speech synthesizer
program for the purpose of accessing content (McDonnall and Crudden 2015). This system
would provide an access to text, which would be presented on screen and also navigate through
keyboard commands. The speech enabled systems would guide the users to perform their daily
activities.
Clients who are hearing impaired – Software developers have to think of developing
different software solutions for aiding these clients. This could be done by developing an inbuilt
software within the mobile and computing devices, which would be able to transform speech to
text. Bold captions could be provided for better viewing options (Brännström et al. 2015). These
software could also make use of sign language to assist them in understanding the nature of
communication taking place around them. The software solution could also provide easy
navigation features, which would help the clients in getting access within a few clicks.
Question 2
The ways of utilising Green ICT for reducing carbon footprint and contributing to Green
ICT are:

2CONCEPTS OF GREEN IT AND SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT
1. The PCs should be turned off when they are not in usage. While keeping the CRT
monitor open for a prolonged time, it could consume the same amount of electricity that would
have been consumed by 4 or 5 bright lights (Sheldon 2016). By keeping the PCs turned off
during their less usage time, it could help in lowering electricity consumption.
2. Certain software solutions should be developed and used, which would be able to
monitor the power consumed by the desktop or laptop. The software systems should have
network connectivity, which would help users to keep a track of their systems. Intelligent
hardware systems should also be embedded that would automatically maintain and adjust the
power consumption status of these devices.
3. Greener devices or equipment could be installed in offices by replacing desktops.
Laptops are light-weight devices when compared to desktops. Great consideration and care
should also be taken during the selection of laptops (Wu et al. 2015). This is because of the
impact on environment. Hence, the disposal and manufacture should be deeply factored.
Environment-friendly laptops that consume less power should be procured and used in industries
and workplace.

3CONCEPTS OF GREEN IT AND SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT
References
Brännström, K.J., Öberg, M., Ingo, E., Månsson, K.N., Andersson, G., Lunner, T. and Laplante-
Lévesque, A., 2015. The process of developing an internet-based support system for audiologists
and first-time hearing aid clients. American Journal of Audiology (Online), 24(3), p.320.
McDonnall, M.C. and Crudden, A., 2015. Building relationships with businesses:
Recommendations from employers concerning persons who are blind/visually impaired. Journal
of Rehabilitation, 81(3), pp.43-50.
Sheldon, R.A., 2016. Green chemistry and resource efficiency: towards a green economy. Green
Chemistry, 18(11), pp.3180-3183.
Wu, J., Zhang, Y., Zukerman, M. and Yung, E.K.N., 2015. Energy-efficient base-stations sleep-
mode techniques in green cellular networks: A survey. IEEE communications surveys &
tutorials, 17(2), pp.803-826.