Human-Computer Interface

Human-Computer Interface

1. GUI (WIMP)

   • Advantages
     • Easy to use, especially for a beginner
     • Don't have to learn complicated commands
     • You get the benefits of WYSIWYG
     • Exchange data between different software applications
   • Disadvantage
     • Take up a larger amount of hard disk space than other interfaces
     • They use more processing power than other types of interface
     • They can be slow for experienced programmers to use

2. Command Line

   • Advantages
     • Know the correct commands this interface can be faster than any other type of interface
     • A low resolution, cheaper monitor can be used with this type of interface
     • Does not require Windows to run
   • Disadvantages
     • If never been used, can be very confusing
     • Commands have to be typed precisely.
     • If mis-type an instruction, it often starts from scratch
     • Large number of commands, need to be learnt.

3. Menu Driven

   • Advantages
     • There are no commands to learn or remember
     • Don't need huge amounts of processing power or memory
     • Step-by-step options are given so that the user doesn't have to remember anything
   • Disadvantages
     • A poorly designed menu interface may be slow to use
     • You often can't go to the exact place you want right at the start

4. Sound and Speech

   • Advantages
     • Suitable for physically handicapped people
     • More flexibility than a dialogue interface
   • Disadvantages
     • Reliability- the interface can only respond to commands that have been programmed
     • Not widely available as other forms of interface are often superior

5. Touch Sensative

   • Advantages
     • Intuitive to use
     • Do not need good ICT skills such as typing to be able to use
     • You can see all of the options available
   • Disadvantages
     • If the screen becomes damaged it might not pick up the touch command
     • Not so good in bright sunshine as the screen is hard to see
     • Only limited options can be offered