The User Interface Flashcards
Describe the main features of WIMP
Windows: each task has its own window, windows can be maximised and minimised
Icons: icons represent programs and they can be double clicked to open
Menus: contains list of options can contain sub menus
Pointer: used to move a cursor, rather than cursor key on keyboard, allows you to click and interact with menus, icons etc.
Name four types of interfaces
WIMP, Command Line Interface, menu driven interface, form
driven interface
Briefly describe a Form driven interface
The screen layout reflects existing data entry forms. The user may be able to click tick boxes or radio boxes, the order in which the form may be completed may be controlled, validation/verification may be carried out, user may navigate using back and next buttons
Briefly describe a common line interface
There is a finite list of common words, each with correct syntax, user inputs a common at a prompt, some commands require parameters
Identify two benefits of a command line interface
It requires minimal resources- RAM, Screen resolution, experienced users can key in commands quickly.
Describe three features included in GUI that assist experienced users
Interface could include short cuts- a combination of two or more keys clicked at the same time such as Ctrl S
The interface could include function keys- special keys to carry out specific tasks such as F5
The interface could include a CLI so that commands can be entered as text
User may be able to customise interface with icons, shortcuts
Explain why an experienced user may chose CLI over a natural language interface.
An experienced user will have learnt off all commands so CLI is very direct and quick, input to a NLI is relatively slow and prone to errors
What is a prompt?
A prompt is a message that indicates the point or purpose of inputs
What is a Parameter?
A parameter refers to additional information required for a command.
Describe four features of a typical GUI
«WIMP
«Dialogue boxes- enable user to change default settings
«Help facilities- Context sensitive or linked to web site popups
«User preferences- The user can change the screen resolution
Describe two ways a GUI can be interacted with without a mouse
Hot keys- multi purpose function keys, eg F1
Shortcuts- CTRL S
Common Line Interface, commands typed on prompt
Describe two main ergonomically factors which influence human computer interface interaction
Input devices should be designed to minimise the risk of RSI
Keyboards with height adjustments
Work stations should be able to be designed to minimise risk of poor posture
Chairs should be adjustable
Describe three features of a well designed UI for inexperienced users
The use of standard layouts to minimise training needs
The use of obvious icons so user can deduce functions
The use of a pointer device so user can select options with minimal keyboard skills
Identify two features of a UI for inexperienced users
Help facilities- a help or search option
A consistent UI across components-user can transfer skills gained in one component or device to another
Provision of macros, WIMP, Forms- allow inexperienced users to perform common tasks quickly with little training
Identify two features of a UI for experienced users
Provision of short keys/hot keys
Provision fo CLI
Additional facility such as customisation.
