A3 - 2 - Choice of user interface Flashcards
Graphical User Interface (GUI)
This type of user interface is designed aroundgraphical icons and images. We commonly know this as a WIMP interface. This stands for Windows, Icons, Menus & Pointers. This is because we use a pointer, such as a mouse cursor, to navigate and interact with the computer using windows, icons & menus.
Advantages of GUI
👍 More easier to learn/use (1) because they are recognising icons (1)
👍 Commands do not have to be typed (1) which can lead to less time consuming (1)
👍 Multi-tasking (1) which enables users to view between multiple programs at the same time (1)
👍 Easier to customise/ modify (1) to make it more accessible for users (1)
Disadvantage of GUI
👎They use a lot of memory and processing power
👎 can be slower to use than a command-line interface if you are an expert user (they can be irritating to experienced users when simple tasks require a number of operations.
Menu Based Interfaces
👍 the limited number of options can make it easier to use
👍 easier to perform tasks without needing any instructions
👍 they can include options to adapt user needs for example providing larger font size
👎 Performing tasks can be slow and frustrating because you have to through many options
Command Line Interface (CLI)
it is used by some expert users, particularly for tasks like managing and maintaining a network. These users find aCLI much more powerful and efficient for completing these types of tasks
Advantages of CLI
👍 Usually accessed using a ‘terminal’ window so likely to reduce potential problems with compatibility
👍 Only requires keyboard to interact/does not need additional peripheral such as mouse.
👍 Server and client will require less bandwidth to communicate (as not transmitting graphical data) so makes it suitable for poorer/mobile internet connections
👍 The simplicity of this interface means it requires much less memory & processing power in order to run. This means it can run on weaker computer systems. It also takes less space on the hard disk.
Disadvantage of CLI
👎Limits the type of product/service that can be offered via the system. E.g. most materials will need be downloaded and used/run locally
👎The language of the commands may be a barrier. E.g. the system command may be in English which may not be the user’s first language
👎The interface is not intuitive at all. You cannot figure it out just by giving it a go and will require some training to make even the basic use of it.
👎You need to know the various commands in order to operate the computer system. This makes it very difficult to use for beginner and inexperience computer users;
Adaptive Interfaces
A user interface that is adapted to the needs of the user
👍 Creates less confusion for the user;
👍 Only shows relevant information;
👎Can be difficult to create as more features and functions to add
👎Can be prone to mistakes
👎Can have security issues as it stores all the users preferences
Purpose of UI
- Provides a user-friendly method (1) for the user to interact with the system (1)
- Provides a method for a user to communicate/interact/navigate with the computer system / hardware & software (1) in order to carry out tasks/ control the computer/ device (1) using icons/menus / entering commands (1)
what the examiner are looking for when drawing UI
All six fields included shown with label and appropriate sized data entry field
At least one appropriate method to ease data entry (e.g. drop down menu/radio buttons for number ordered/colour field)
At least one accessibility feature included (e.g. option to increase/decrease font size, ‘listen to this page’ feature)
Onscreen instructions/prompts/example data entry to help users
Button/navigation to move to next screen.
Award one additional mark for suitable layout/design showing all of the following, good use of layout and screen space, e.g. font size alignment and fit for purpose.
