2f User Interfaces ***

Question 0

The company uses different interfaces for on-line training packages.
(i) One of the interfaces used is command line.
Identify two characteristics of a command line interface.(2 marks)

Answer 0

2 from, 1 for each interface, examples:
Natural language
Testing system (1)
Disabled users (1)
Forms
Feedback forms (1)
Entering registration information (1)
[2]

Question 1

(b) The computers have a WIMP (windows, icons, menus, pointers) interface.
Describe the characteristics of a WIMP interface.(4 marks)

Answer 1

Memory intensive (1)
Graphical interface (1) use of pictures to represent objects (1) Direct manipulation interface (1) cursor direction reflects hand movements (1)
Area of the screen (1)contains grouped icons/elements (1) Predefined list of options (1) can be pop-up/drop down (1)

Question 2

The database can have different styles of user interface.
Describe the following styles of user interface and for each give an example of how it could be used in the database.
Command based (2 marks)

Menus (2 marks)

Answer 2

1st mark for description, 2nd for example of use:
Command Based:
Use of typed commands/prompts (1)
Example: Backup/compress (1)
Allow relevant and suitable examples
1st mark for description, 2nd for example of use:
Menus
List of common commands/related into groups/can be accessed by first letter/drop down from top bar/pop up next to mouse click (1)
Example: Help commands (1). [4]

Question 3

Describe two characteristics of a WIMP interface and for each give an example of how Miss Stephenson could use it.(6 marks)

Answer 3

4 for characteristics and 2 for examples of use:
windows: area of the screen (1) contains icons that are part of a group (1) such as internet applications (1)
icons: small images (1) when clicked open an application (1) eg word processing (1)
mouse/pointer: arrow on screen (1) that tracks movements of mouse (1) e.g can use to select text (1)
menu: set of grouped commands (1) can be pull down or pop up (1) some options greyed out (1) eg edit/help (1)

Question 4

The company want to change the presentation to include interaction from the viewer.
Describe, using examples, two ways a voice based natural language interface could be used in the presentation.(4 marks)

Answer 4

2 from, 2 marks each:
Viewer can give spoken commands to the presentation (1)
to change slides (1).
Text entry into presentation (1) can be done without use of keyboard or mouse (1).
Microphone used (1) to accept voice entry (1)

Question 5

EJO is having software created to catalogue the art work. The software will have a form interface.
(a) Describe two characteristics of a form interface.(4 marks)

Answer 5

2 marks per characteristic, 1 for identification, 2nd for expansion eg:
 Validation of input (1) each field can have its own separate validation (1)
 Logical sequence (1) can follow a piece of paper for ease of data entry (1)
 Labels and instructions (1) to guide the users on what to fill in (1).
 Macros to perform an action (1) e.g. buttons to move to next page (1)