Interfaces

Interfaces

1. Graphical User Interfaces

   • This type of user interface is designed around graphical 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.
     • Benefits: It is easy to use, especially for beginner users. Users do not need to learn any complex commands in order to use the interface. Instead, navigation is very intuitive relying on users moving a cursor on the screen and clicking to indicate an action. It is easy to move data between different software applications. Dragging and dropping or copy & pasting really simplify this process and make it easy to use.
     • Drawbacks: It uses a lot of processing power and main memory to run. This can cause problems with older systems that don’t have a lot to spare. It can be frustratingly slow to perform certain tasks for experienced users. Many tasks require a number of actions to complete, which, in a command-line interface, could be completed in just one.

2. Command Line Interface

   • A plain background with a simple text prompt that would allow you to enter in commands to perform actions. Previously Computers weren’t powerful enough to display the sort of graphics involved with other types of interface and so the simple text-based interface of CLI was the only option. However, it is still used by some expert users, particularly for tasks like managing and maintaining a network. These users find a CLI much more powerful and efficient for completing these types of tasks.
     • Benefits: Experienced computer users who know the various commands used in a CLI find it much quicker to complete tasks than navigating around a graphical user interface. 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.
     • Drawbacks: You need to know the various commands in order to operate the computer system. This makes it very difficult to use for beginner and inexperienced computer users. 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.

3. Menu-Based Interfaces

   • This type of user interface presents the user with a menu that contains a list of options. The user navigates through various submenus by choosing the relevant option in order to perform the function they want.
     • Benefits: This is a very easy-to-use interface. The simplicity of the interface, with limited possible actions & clear options, makes it very user-friendly. Also the interface is very easily adapted to different users. In particular, it is easy to translate into various languages and the options can be spoken rather than just being visual.
     • Drawbacks: A menu based interface can be very frustrating for users if there are a lot of different levels of submenus as this can take a long time to navigate. Especially when compared to a CLI. Options are limited, so more complex actions cannot be performed and if the required option is not available then you will not be able to complete your task.

4. Adapted Interface

   • An adapted, or adaptive, interface is one that will alter its presentation, layout & even options in order to better support the user or the technology it is running on.
     • Benefits: This fits the needs of the user very effectively. This can ease confusion for inexperienced users and improve accessibility for those with individual needs, such as those with visual impairments.
     • Drawbacks: This requires an understanding of the user needs in order to adapt it, which can be a time-consuming task. This is particularly true for a device being used by multiple users who each need the interface adapted differently.