3.4 - The User Interface

3.4 - The User Interface

1. Human Computer Interaction

   • GUI Features
     • not text based
     • uses windows, pull-down menus, buttons, scroll bars, icons, wizards, mouse & multimedia elements
     • + easy to use
       • + no need to learn special commands
     • - slower for experienced programmers who prefer command line interface
       • takes up more memory & processing power
   • Command Line Features
     • finite list of commands
     • each command is a short word eg PRINT
     • typed at a prompt
     • some commands have parameters or switches
     • + requires least memory
       • + fast method of interaction if user knows commands
     • - large number of commands required to know
       • command must be typed precisely or error

2. Natural Language Features

   • user interacts with written / spoken language
   • verbs / phrases used to instigate functionality
     • such as creating, selecting, modifying data
   • sounds are stored in a database, user input compared with these
   • speech recognition software used
   • + good for physically handicapped
     • + user doesn't need training
   • - unreliable, may have trouble understanding user... repeat themselves
     • not very widely available

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