Human Computer Interfaces

Human Computer Interfaces

1. GUI (wimp)

   • Wimp stands for windows, icons, menu's and pointers
   • advantages: this type of interface is easy to use, it is easy to explore and find your way around the system, you dont have to learn complicated commands, You get the benefits of WYSIWYG
   • disadvantages: GUIs take up a much larger amount of hard disk space than other interfaces, They need significantly more memory (RAM) to run than other interface types, They use more processing power than other types of interface

2. Command Line

   • Advantages: If the user knows the correct commands then this type of interface can be much faster than any other type of interface, A low resolution, cheaper monitor can be used with this type of interface, A CLI does not require Windows to run.
   • disadvantages: For someone who has never used a CLI, it can be very confusing, Commands have to be typed precisely. If there is a spelling error the command will fail, If you mis-type an instruction, it is often necessary to start from scratch again.

3. Menu Driven Interface

   • advantages: Extremely easy to use. Someone who has never seen the interface before can work out what to do, There are no commands to learn or remember, Even if you don't know what to do, you can usually guess your way around the options and They don't need huge amounts of processing power or memory
   • 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. You have to work your way through the menu screens even if you know where you want to get to and The menu can take up a large part of the screen so you have to keep flicking back and forwards between applications

4. speech and sound interface

   • advantages: very easy and quick to use.
   • disadvantages: not reliable

5. Touch Sensitive Interface:

   • advantages: Intuitive to use, Do not need good ICT skills such as typing to be able to use,Can be adapted for many uses e.g. cashpoint machine, shop, ticket sales office, garage
   • disadvantages: Need to understand the language or the meaning of the icons, Only limited options can be offered, The screen could become scratched or dirty so it is difficult to see the options available