User InterfaceA user interface is the way in which the user interacts with and gives commands to the computer.

HCI – Human Computer Interface

Command Line Interface (CLI)User interacts with the computer by typing commands.

This was the only way to interact with computers up until the 1990s. Some users still prefer to interact with computers in this way.

Users had to know the exact commands, and the order they had to be entered.Can be faster for expert users.Can run multiple commands in a script file.

Command Line Interface (CLI)User interacts with the computer by typing commands.

Menu Drive InterfaceUser interacts with the computer by selecting options from a menu.

Graphical User Interface (GUI)User interacts with the computer by pointing at and selecting icons which represent a real world object.

WIMPA WIMP interface is a type of GUI which uses:Windows – Icons – Menus - Pointers

Other User Interfaces Touch screen Voice controlled / voice recognition Screen reader Head wand Braille keyboard VR

Design - UsersWhen designing a user interface, it is important to consider the type of user e.g.ChildAdult (inexperienced user)Adult (skilled / experienced user)Person with a disability or learning difficultyType of input / output devices (touch screen, braille keyboard, speakers etc)

Design - UsersWhen designing a user interface, it is important to consider the type of user.

Design - UsersWhen designing a user interface, it is important to consider the type of user

Good Design PrinciplesGood interface design is important. Consider:Colour - stylish, pleasing on the eyeLayout - simple, clean, unclutteredText – break into smaller paragraphs, headingsFont - readable, good sizeConsistency – similar look and feel on all screens, menu items in the same placeAppropriate selection options – menus, search, buttons, image buttons, links

Good Design PrinciplesGood interface design is important. Consider:Devices – mobile, desktop, portrait, landscapeFeedback – useful and meaningful messagesIntuitive – where possible the user should be able to work out what to doCustomisable – the user can set their own interface, changing colours, adapting the layout in order to be able to access frequently accessed componentsInteractivity – button responses, quizzes, animations, sounds etc.

Good Design PrinciplesColour - stylish, pleasing on the eyeLayout - simple, clean, uncluttered

Good Design PrinciplesColour - stylish, pleasing on the eyeLayout - simple, clean, uncluttered

Good Design PrinciplesText – break into smaller paragraphs, headingsFont - readable, good size

Good Design PrinciplesConsistency – similar look and feel on all screens, menu items in the same place

Good Design PrinciplesConsistency – similar look and feel on all screens, menu items in the same place

Good Design PrinciplesDevices – mobile, desktop, portrait, landscape

Good Design PrinciplesFeedback – useful and meaningful messages

Good Design PrinciplesCustomisable colour schemes

Good Design PrinciplesCustomisable layouts

Good Design PrinciplesAppropriate selection options – menus, search, buttons, image buttons, links

NavigationNavigation is the means of getting from one screen/page to the next

The navigation structure of a program or information system can be linear, hierarchical or a combination of both.

NavigationLinear navigation

NavigationHierarchical navigation

AccessibilityAccessibility means that programs and information systems should be designed so that they can be used by people with or without disabilities.

AccessibilityPhysical disabilityFor someone with a physical disability, the mouse can be difficult to use. It is possible to:Slow the speed of movementChange the double click response timeUse the number keypad as a means of moving the mouseUse TAB key to cycle between optionsUse keyboard shortcuts to access menus

AccessibilityPhysical disabilityFor someone with a physical disability, the keyboard can be difficult to use.Voice recognition software can help as an alternativeSpecialist input devices can be used

AccessibilityVisually impaired (poor vision)Users with poor vision can:Magnify areas of the screenIncrease the size of fonts and icons

AccessibilityVisually impaired (colour blind)Users with colour blindness can:Change the combination of colours and screen contrast

AccessibilityVisually impaired (blind)Blind users can:Use voice recognition softwareUse braille keyboardsUse a screen reader to read content from the screen out loud