User Interface
2023
Objectives
1 2 3 4 5
Define user interface Identify the features List the primary State the types of State the advantages
of a user interface considerations of an user interface and disadvantages of
design interface designer the various types of
interfaces
USER INTERFACE/ HUMAN-COMPUTER INTERFACE (HCI)
SOFTWARE
User Interface (UI)
A user interface is the visual part of an OS by which a user controls (or
communicates with) a software program or hardware device.
Includes:
• the physical controls – buttons, etc.
• what the system looks like (if it has a monitor – the system could be a washing machine or
a photocopier)
• how the system accepts input from the user
• how the system responds to user input
• how the system outputs the results of processing
Or UI
• The interaction of the user with a computer,
website, app or any other screen.
• For example, the remote control is a
hardware device which allows users to
interact with a TV screen. That is, the user
can interact with any design being displayed
on the screen.
• Interface: the design being displayed on
the screen
• User: the person interacting with it using
any of the following - mouse, keyboard,
finger touch, or voice command.
Question
How do you use a shopping app to place an order?
Possible Answer
• User interacts with the app to place an order.
• User selects different options on the app, such
as:
• a size, quantity, price, delivery option.
• Complete and confirm the order on the app.
Features of a User Interface Design
• Safe
• Completing tasks without any risk – e.g. flying an aeroplane.
• Effective
• Being able to do the right task and doing it well – e.g. video recording a TV
programme.
• Efficient
• Able to carry out tasks quickly and correctly – e.g. at a cashpoint (or point of sale)
• Enjoyable
• Users should be able to enjoy what they are doing, not be frustrated by the interface
– e.g. educational programs
Primary Considerations of an Interface Designer
• Who
• Who will be the users of the system, what are their ages, etc.?
• What
• What tasks will they likely want to perform - repetitive, complex,
simple, etc.?
• Environment
• Where will the computer be used - in a hazardous or noisy
environment?
• Feasibility
• What is technologically available? Designers should not add
elements to the interface that cannot actually be easily used.
Examples of UI
• MS-DOS
• Windows OS, Mac OS, Linux OS
• Remote control
• ATM
• Virtual reality
• Speedometer
• Mobile app
• Website
Types of User Interface
Software Hardware
Command-Driven / Command Line (CLI) Touchscreen
Menu-Driven Remote control
Graphical User Interface (GUI) Controller
Specialized keyboard
Sensor
Types of Software UI
• Command Line Interface
• is text-based interface
• displays a prompt, the user types a written command on the keyboard and the
command is processed. The computer executes the command, providing textual output.
• MS-DOS, Windows OS, Mac OS, Linux OS
• Menu-Driven Interface
• the user has a list of items to choose from or provided with a series of screens, and can
make selections by highlighting one.
• Drop down menu, popup menu
• Graphical User Interface (GUI)
• Uses windows, icons, menus and pointers (WIMP) which can be manipulated by a
mouse (and often to an extent by a keyboard as well).
Command Line Interface
Advantages Disadvantages
• Very flexible with the use of • Requires the user to learn “complex”
“switches” (options) commands or language
• Good for “expert” users - can quickly • “Hidden” features i.e. if you don’t
access commands know the commands you won’t know
• Uses the fewest system resources the features are there!
• Not very good for novice users
Command Line Interface Applications
• System administration
• Engineering applications
• Scientific applications
• Ideal for visually impaired users!!!
Menu-Driven Interface
Advantages Disadvantages
• No need to learn complex • Can be frustrating for experienced
commands/language users i.e. the command they want to
• Easier for a novice to learn/use use is buried 5 levels deep!!!!
• Ideal when there are a limited • User interface may be limited by
number of options (efficient) screen space and number of options
available
Menu-Driven Applications
• ATM
• Mobile Phone
• MP3 Player
• Video recorder
• Household Devices
• Digital/Cable TV
Graphical User Interface
Advantages
• Most suitable interface for
inexperienced or novice users
• Enhanced by attractive visuals
• Immediate visual feedback
Disadvantages
• Uses more memory resources and
power than other types of interface
• Might have low discoverability
• Might overwhelm users with the
growing amount of control elements
GUI Applications
• Many generic packages for a GUI share common features
• Layout of the screen
• Names given to commands
• Icons
• Order of menus
• Mouse operation
• Dialog boxes
Hardware Interfaces
special devices with additional features that will make the
interaction of the user much easier.
Keyboards, mice, screens and speakers are part of the standard
user interface, but many additional hardware devices can be
used as part of the user interface to suit the needs of particular
users.
Types of Hardware Interface
Touchscreen
Specialised keyboards
• Ergonomic keyboard
• Overlay / Concept keyboard
• Braille keyboard
Sensors
Touchscreen
• special devices that make it easier
to input data using stylus or
fingers.
• Example: cellphones, ATMs
• Input occurs much faster than a
keyboard and a mouse
Specialised Keyboards
• Designed for a specific purpose or a particular user
Ergonomic Keyboard
• is shaped so that it is more comfortable
to use.
• Someone who uses a keyboard for long
periods can avoid injury, such as
repetitive strain injury
Overlay / Concept
Keyboard
• Replaces the keyboard with a flat touch-
sensitive panel.
• An overlay is placed on the panel and marks
out areas that can act as buttons.
• The program will identify the relevant sensors
used by each overlay.
• These keyboards can provide a very simple
keyboard for children and other people who
cannot manage a normal keyboard.
• They are also used in environments such as
fast food restaurants, where grease and dust
may become lodged in a normal keyboard.
Braille Keyboard
• Designed available for blind users or the visually
impaired.
• Simplest type has Braille symbols on each key on a
normal keyboard.
• Alternatively, an overlay style keyboard can be used,
in which the surface is embossed with Braille
symbols
Sensors
• capture data automatically and passes it to a computer.
• Sensors can be used within hardware devices;
• for example, an overlay keyboard has sensors located under the surface of the
panel
Resources
• [Link]
types-of-user-interface/
