Topic 1.6 - System Design Flashcards
What is a HCI?
It’s a Human Computer Interface
- How the user interacts with the system
What is a text-based interface?
AKA command line interface, all inputs and outputs are text.
What are the advantages of a text-based interface?
- Easy to implement on basic display
- Faster for experts to use
- Uses fewest system resources
What is a GUI?
- Graphical User Interface
- Uses WIMP
- Typical OS for a PC
What does WIMP stand for?
W - Windows
I - Icons
M - Menus
P - Pointers (use of mouse)
What are the advantages of a GUI?
- Icons are intuitive
- Good for beginners
- No need to remember commands
- Customisation
- Easy to cut & paste between applications
What are the disadvantages of a text-based interface?
- Have to learn commands
- Errors can be made by user
- Interaction is limited to keyboard
What are the disadvantages of a GUI?
- Use a lot of system resources
- Complex to design
- Longer load times
What is a forms dialog interface?
They are on screen forms displayed to the user which they can enter data into. Select options using objects such as:
- text boxes
- radio buttons
- drop-down boxes
What are the advantages of a forms dialog box?
- Objects help reduce input errors
- Can tab between inputs
- Intuitive to fill in
- Validation
- Allows changes to be made whilst still visible
What is free-format dialog?
- Instructions typed in close to ‘normal’ English
- Used in some search engines
What are dedicated keys?
AKA Hot keys, are where certain combinations of keys perform a pre-defined function.
What are soft keys?
Keys available for the user to programme to perform a function of their choice.
What are the different types of pointing devices?
- Mouse
- Touchpad
- Tracker ball
- Joystick
- Light pen
What are the benefits of using a touch pad?
Can be fitted onto smaller devices such as a laptop.
