User Interfaces Flashcards
What does User Interface mean?
Acomputer-user interfacedetermines how the user interacts with a computer and uses it.
The means through which the user interacts with a computer system, A program , A website or any other digital device.
What are the two types of user interface?
Hardware and software
Software Interfaces Examples
- Graphical User Interfaces
- Command-line Interfaces
- Menu-driven Interfaces
- Touch User Interface
Hardware Interface
Hardware interfaces are devices with additional features that will make the interaction between the user and the computer system much easier such as the mouse, pointing devices, keypads, keyboards (specialized keyboards and qwerty keyboards) and touch screens.
Graphical User Interface (GUI)
The graphical user interface is a type of user interface that allows users to interact with electronic devices through windows, icons, menus and pointers (wimp).
GUIs are provided by Windows and Macintosh operating systems. They are presently
regarded as the user interfaces which are easiest to use. As a result, all computers are now
supplied with a GUI system installed. The best way to remember what makes up a GUI is to
think of the wordWIMP (Windows, Icons, Menus and Pointers).
Window–A window is that part of the screen that holds its own document or message.
Icon– An icon is a tiny picture of an object that is displayed on the screen. They represent
programs, folders, files, recycle bin, disk drives and printers.
What is command line interface?
A command-line interface is a user interface where the user issues commands to the computer in the form of successive lines of text (command lines).
Microsoft disk operating system (ms-dos) utilized a command line interface.
Command-line interfaces require you to type in commands using a special language. This
special language makes command-line interfaces difficult to use, especially for new
computer users. One example of this type of interface isMicrosoft Disk Operating System
(MS-DOS), also known asCommand Prompt.
Menu Driven Interface
A menu driven interface is a type of user interface that lets a user interact with a computer or device by working your way through a series of menus. A lot of ATMS utilize a menu-driven interface
Amenuis a list of options from which you can choose what you want to do. Application
programs use menus as an easy alternative to having to learn program commands. Menu-
driven interfaces were developed in order to make the interface ‘friendlier’ and ‘easier to
learn’. You can control the computer by choosing commands and available options from a
menu, using the keyboard or the mouse.
Menus
An advantage of using menus is that for most programs, the first few menus are always in
the same order (e.g. file, edit, view, insert etc.). They also carry out the same functions no
matter what program you are using. For example, the ‘File’ menu is always first and enables
you to create, save, print etc.
A pointer is an arrow found on the screen. As the mouse moves, the pointer
moves in the same direction. The pointer is a very important part of a GUI as it enables you
to:
- Control the computer and to choose window items
- Select text in a document
- Select cells in a spreadsheet
Drop down menu/Pull down menu
users get options displayed in a vertical list that may have Horizontal dividers and links to submenus. these are activated by clicking on an item (such as ‘File’) using the left mouse button. The menu ‘pulls-down’ just below the menu item.
Pop up menu
the menu is displayed when the user positions the mouse over an
object and clicks or activates the menu. They are activated by clicking anywhere on the document screen by using the right mouse button. Some standard commands and options are cut, copy and paste.
Touch User Interface (TUI)
A Touch User Interface (TUI) is a computer-pointing technology based upon the sense of touch.
TUI also allows the user, particularly those with visual impairments, and added level of interaction based upon tactile or braille input
All touch screen devices utilise a TUI. For example:
- Android and apple devices
- Braille Kindle
- Window Surface Tablet
Characteristics of a Good Interface
- Clear: The user should be able to figure out what they want to do and do it easily
- Concise: Do not flood your design with information
- Consistent: Make your design familiar by establishing a clear pattern in your design thus
allowing the user to navigate easily - Attractive: The design must be visually appealing
- Forgiving: It must allow users to undo a mistake with ease
