User Interfaces

User Interfaces

1. Types

   • Menu Driven
     • Provide users with set of option to chose from
     • No need to enter text
     • No need to navigate around screen
     • Uncluttered fashion
   • Graphical User Interface
     • Labelled icons, images and folders
     • W.I.M.P.
     • Pull down menus avoid clutter, shortcut keys
     • Easy for people with little ICT skill
   • Natural Language Interface
     • Search Engines - tries to find and match key words
     • Ability to communicate in same language as used day to day
     • Language can be misinterpreted giving wrong answers
     • Voice recognition technology

2. Human Computer Interaction (HCI)

   • Concerned with design, evaluation and implementation of interactive computer systems. If it is good it can improve productivity but if poor it will reduce job satisfaction
   • Psychological
     • Human Behaviour
       • Variable and needs to allow for users of all levels and changing demands
     • Social Psychology
       • Influence a group will have on how people feel. Can make system popular or unpopular
     • Stress
       • Caused by badly laid out menus, lack of consistency. Results of serious mental & physical issues
   • Ergonomic
     • Other Workers
       • Attitude of others affects attitude
     • Task Should Be Made Easier
       • Good HCI should make job easier and user feel better
     • Screen Glare
       • Headaches from UV glare off VDU - causes discomfort
     • RSI
       • Poor input device design causes strain to joints
   • Physical Factors
     • Obvious Design
       • Buttons and Icons obvious
     • Familiarity
       • Easy to use for first time users. Icons relate to purpose.
     • Hardware Config.
       • Must be easy to use
   • Features of HCI
     • Menus
     • Screen Design
       • In users control
     • Error Messages
     • Availability of help
     • User-Friendliness
     • Easy to Learn
     • Online help facility
     • GUI
     • Multiple Navigation Options
     • Multi-Tasking
     • Fast File Searching
   • Resource Implications of Sophisticated HCI's
     • Processor - stretched to limit so they can cope with graphics
     • IAS - Large memory allows many windows without loss of speed