The user interface

Windows

Represents an active area of the computer screen which represents an activity / task or window

Icon

These are small graphics / pictures used to provide a graphical representation of an application or activity. an icon can be selected by clicking on it

Menus

Presents an end user with a range of actions / tasks which users can select / click on to perform a task

Pointer

Used to select an item / task/ activity on a screen

Form of dialogue

A form dialogue interface will usually output prompts and response fields to the user on screen

Response field

A position on the forms dialogue box where the end user will enter a response. They may move the cursor from field to field

E.g the mouse click or perhaps using the tab key on a keyboard. Data input could be via

1. Text boxes / fields

2. Tick boxes

3. Use radio buttons

4. Drop down menus

Prompt

A prompt may appear for the end user at the position where data entry is required. The prompt may be in the form of a flashing cursor in a response fields.

Error message

Used to inform the end user there has been an error in the data entry process. Th emits user friendly error message will include some form of diagnostics information for the end user

Wimp interface ( application)

Inexperienced users

Wimp advantages

• Layout or each package is usually consistent

• Wide availability of online help

• More than one program

Wimp disadvantage

• Require more processing resources - more powerful processors

• They take more time to load or execute a command

• May be more irritating for some experienced users

Command line ( application )

Experienced users / systems with minimal processing resources

Command line advantages

• For an experienced user it is the fastest method of entering commands avoiding the need to navigate through sequences of menus and dialogue

• Precise instructions for computer task

• Power if the interface can be extended with the macro commands

Command line disadvantage

• The command language needs to be learnt so the user would have to remember the proper commas and use proper syntax

• System interactions restricted to the keyboard

For, dialogue (application)

For entering data into a database; WIMP , wizards

Form dialogue advantages

• There are no commands to learn or remember

• Step by step options are given so the user doesn’t have to remember anything

• Intuitive there are response fields / data entry is clearly visible . Extremely easy to use

Form Dialogue disadvantage

• A poorly designed form of interface may be slow to use the user may have to work their way through the menus screens

Experienced users

• Provision of hot keys as shortcuts using a combination of key presses to preform tasks quickly without performing a layer of steps

• Provision of help facilities more detailed / technical help is needed for experienced users then inexperienced users

Inexperienced users

• Provision of simple and meaningful icons to represent a task the icons should be intuitive/ meaningful and represent + real world objects

• Provision of help facilities- more general help for inexperienced users a help search option - the use should be able to get relevant help as simply as possible