User Interface : Introduction

A user interface is the method by which a human and a computer system exchange information and instructions.

You may like some programs and dislike others. When you decide whether or not a program is useful you will probably be considering :

1. Whether the program will do the jobs you want it to.
2. How easy it is to use the program.

It is the job of a user interface to make a program easy to use. Today the user interface is regarded as being so important that up to 90% of a computer program may be devoted to managing it. Software designers use many tools and techniques to help make an interface easy to use. These include :

• Colour to highlight.
• Sound for warning messages.
• Flashing symbols.
• Careful design of screen layouts.
• Keeping the interface consistent on all of the screens of the program.
• Using simple language.
• Choosing appropriate input devices. e.g. mouse, keyboard, bar code scanner.

User interfaces are usually classified as being one of three different types : Command Line, Menu Driven or Graphical User Interface (GUI).

GCSE ICT Companion 04 - (C) P Meakin 2004