Human Computer Interface

Human Computer Interface

1. GUI (Graphical User Interface)

   • Disadvantages
     • Take up alot of hard disk space compared to other interfaces
     • They require more RAM to run than other interface types
     • They use more processing power than other types of interface
     • They can be slow of experienced programmers to use
   • Advantages
     • Easy to use, Easy to explore the system
     • Do not have to learn complicated commands
     • Good help facilities provided
     • You get the benefit of WYSIWYG
     • Let you exchange data between different software applications

2. Command Line

   • Advantages
     • This type of interface can be much faster if experienced
     • Uses less RAM compared to other types
     • Does not use as much CPU processing time
     • Does not require windows to run it
     • A cheap monitor can be used with this interface (Low res)
   • Disadvantages
     • Can be confused if inexperienced
     • Commands have to be typed precisely
     • If you mis-type, you often have to restart.
     • There are a large number of commands which need to be learned.
     • You can't guess what the instruction might be

3. Menu driven interface

   • Disadvantages
     • A poorly designed menu interface may be slow
     • It can be irritating if there are too many menu screen to work through
     • Menu can take up a large part of the screen
     • Difficult to locate things within other menus
   • Advantages
     • Really easy to pick up and use
     • No commands to learn
     • Step-By-Step options are given
     • Even if you dont know what to do, you can easily guess your way around
     • Menu interfaces don't have to be visual, they can be spoken.
     • They don't need huge amounts of processing power or RAM
     • It is fairly easy for the software programmer to create the same menu in another language

4. Speech and Sound

   • Advantages
     • The user does not need to be trained
     • More felxibility than a dialogue interface
     • Suitable for physically handicapped people
   • Disvantages
     • Reliability is an issue, can only respond to programmed commands
     • Highly complex to program
     • Now widely available
     • A voice interface might need training

5. Touch sensitive interface

   • Advantages
     • Intuitive to use
     • You can see all of the options available
     • Do not need and skills
     • Less chance of theft
     • Can be adapted for many uses
   • Disadvantages
     • Need to understand the language
     • Only limited options can be offered
     • Screen can be damaged and useless
     • Not so good in bright light