User Interface : Menu Driven

With a menu driven interface the user interacts with the computer by selecting options from a menu.

A typical program will have many menus which the user can access. Here is an example of one menu from a word processing package :

Menus can be either full screen or pull-down. Pull-down menus are accessed by selecting the menu from a menu bar. Pop-up menus are activated by pressing a button on the mouse.

Examples of systems which use a menu driven interface are :

  1. A bank automatic teller (cash) machine.

  2. A handheld electronic organiser.

AdvantagesDisadvantages
  • The user does not need to remember and type lots of commands.
  • Because menus contain explanations of the options that are available you can guess how to use a program without having to refer to a user guide
  • You may have to switch screens to access a menu.

GCSE ICT Companion 04 - (C) P Meakin 2004