Topic 9: Human-Computer Interface

Question 1

Name three types of Human-Computer Interface (HCI).

Answer 1

Graphical User Interface (GUI)
Command Line Interface (C/LI)
Menu-driven interface
Form-driven interface
Game controller 
Speech recognition interface
Touch screen
Keyboard & mouse
Natural language interface
Fitness band
Blended reality headset
Eye-tracking camera
Speech synthesis (text to speech)
Facial recognition

Question 2

Define a Graphical User Interface and give one use of the this type of HCI.

Answer 2

With a GUI, the user points and clicks on icons, buttons and menus using their mouse, touch screen, keyboard or other device.
A GUI is the most common interface for software applications, mobile apps, and operating systems. It is designed to be very intuitive to use, without needing much text. Well suited for small screens, as text would be difficult to read.

Question 3

Define a Command-Line Interface (C/LI) and give one use of this type of HCI.

Answer 3

A Command-Line Interface is text-only and is used to create sequential lines of code. The user has to type in commands in a programming language. The code runs when they press enter.
An experienced technical person would use a CLI when they need to run commands quickly. For example, to find information about network configuration.

Question 4

Define a form-driven interface and give one use of this type of HCI.

Answer 4

With a form-driven interface, the user is presented with a list of options and fields to fill in. Each field is likely to have validation checks.
A user registration webpage is an example of a form-driven interface. The user has to fill in their name, address and other personal details. Some fields, such as country, may be available as a drop-down menu.

Question 5

Describe an advantage of a Graphical User Interface (GUI).

Answer 5

A GUI makes the operation of the computer as friendly as possible by using high resolution graphics and pointers. Instead of typing in commands you enter them by pointing and clicking.
It should be intuitive and fun to use without additional instructions. There is no need to know programme commands. It is easier to customise an application or environment using a GUI.

Question 6

Describe an advantage of a Command Line Interface (C/LI).

Answer 6

A Command Line Interface uses very little processing power and is therefore fast to execute (run). You don’t have to go through lots of menus, so it is a quicker way to enter commands.

Question 7

Describe a use of a games controller.

Answer 7

Joysticks to control a plane in a flight simulator.
Steering wheels to control a simulation of a car.
Motion sensors (accelerometers and gyroscopes) for fitness games/ tennis training
Eye tracking for point-of-view in shooting games
Virtual Reality Interface for immersive gaming, such as mystery stories
Game pads for shooting games

Question 8

Describe an advantage of a games controller.

Answer 8

Saves having to type, quicker to enter information/fixed list of options.
Greater realism in the game playing/more interactive.
Greater accuracy/sensitivity/complexity in the movements.