gui

Good User Interface (GUI)

• introduction
• Some hardware and software has been specially designed with a particular group of users in mind. however, the vast majority of ICT systems are used by a wide range of users. In this section you will look at what needs to be considered when creating a good user interface. when creating a good user interface, there are numbers of factors that need to be considered and these include:
• Consistency of signposting and pop up information.
• On-screen help
• layout appropriate to task
• differentiation in user expertise
• clear navigational structure
• use by disabled people

Consistency of signposting and pop up info

• A good user interface will consist of consistent signposting and pop up information. what this means is that all the aids to navigation such as the next and previous buttons, pop up menus, icons, etc., all look the same from screen and all appear in the same position on the screen.

On-screen help

• All software packages should have an on-line help facility where user can get help supplied by the package, rather than have to look through manuals and user guides.
• On-screen help for novice users.
• Some help screens can be very off-putting and frequently use unfamiliar terms in their explanations. Help screens should explain things simply and giving the user examples best does this. Most users perform a variety of tasks using the software and are expert at some tasks whilst novice at others. Besides providing help should the user need it, the software should recognise and anticipate the users' goals and offer assistance to to make the task easier. Microsoft Office uses wizards that help you through some of the more complex tasks. This form of assistance allows the users to accomplish their tasks in as short a period in time.

Layout appropriate to task

• You would not have the same layout for a piece of software to be used by young children learning how to spell as you would have with a piece if CAD software used by an architect to design complex buildings. As these people are performing totally different task, they need a layout appropriate to the task.
• The interface to teach children spelling should:
• have a minimum amount of text on the screen
• use bright colours to attract young children to the package
• have an uncluttered appearance
• Involve minimum use of the keyboard
• use speech synthesis so they can hear words
• The interface for CAD should:
• Be customisable - it should allow the user to customise the screen (e.g. include those items they use and get rid of any items they never use)
• minimise mouse movements
• keep working area as large as possible- include pull down menus to keep the working area of the screen as large as possible
• use a large screen for complex interfaces - so that more of the diagram can be seen on the screen at one time
• use other input devices - such as graphics pads/tablets so that selections can be made from the tablet rather than the screen thus leaving the screen clearer for the actual plan
• design pull down menus so that the selections used most frequently are situated at the top of the menu - this avoids the need to move down through the menu more than is necessary.

Differentiation in user expertise

• Users can be divided into:
• novices - people who have never used the software before
• Experienced - people who have used the software before but only know and use some of it's features
• Experts - people who have many years experience of the software and know and use all its facilities.