User Interface Introduction

Computers follow programmed instructions. They perform millions of calculations and can do lots of really useful jobs. But computers are not human. They are a machine. For humans to make use of computers there needs to be a way that we can interact with them easily.

"User Interface: A user interface is the means by which a person is able to interact with a computer system."

Part 1: What is a user interface?

Look at the images below and make a list of all the different ways that you (a human) interacts with a computer. For example, using a touchscreen.

Part 2: What are the different types of User Interface?

There are many different types of user interface. Below are some of the main ones that you may have actually used yourself. Click on the links and read the information. Then without looking, jot down the main points that you can remember about each one. When you have finished, click back on the links and check your notes against the information on the page. What did you remember? What information did you forget?

Menu Driven User Interface

• What is a menu interface?

• Menu interface advantages and disadvantages

Speech and Sound User Interface

• What are speech and sound user interface?

• Speech and sound interface advantages and disadvantages

Command Line User Interface

• What is a command line user interface?

• Command line interface advantages and disadvantages

Graphical User Interface

• What is a graphical user interface?

• Graphical user interface advantages and disadvantages

Touch Sensitive User Interface

• What is a touch sensitive user interface?

• Touch sensitive user interface advantages and disadvantages

Part 3: Choosing the right user Interface for the right situation

Different user interfaces are used for different reasons. For example, a graphical user interface could be used for younger children who have not yet learnt how to read. They would recognise and use the icons instead and navigate through the user interface that way. User interfaces have to be accessible for the use and the user.

For each of the different situations below where a user interface is required, choose one of the five user interfaces that we have learnt about in part 2 that you think would be most suitable. Give at least one reason for each of your choices. The first one has been done for you as an example.

Situation 1: A self service screen at a cinema (example answer)

A graphical user interface would be most suitable in this situation. The user could navigate through the menu options by clicking on icons and buttons. Pictures of the movie could also be used. The user simply taps the movie poster image and then chooses how many tickets. The user could also be given an image of the seats and tap the available seats in a location that they would like to sit. This would be easy for young children and adults alike to quickly make their cinema choices.

Situation 2: A fitness watch that allows the user to track steps and other activities such as running.

Situation 3: An educational app for a young child that teachers them how to count.

Situation 4: A device for an office worker to access a database showing the amount of stock remaining in the warehouse.

Part 5: User Interface Summary

Without looking at your written notes or this webpage, attempt to answer the following questions. Then scroll back through this page and check if they are correct:

1. What is the definition of a 'user interface?'.

2. List the five main types of user interface we have learnt about during this lesson.

3. Give three features of a user interface (e.g. how does a user interact with a user interface?).

4. Explain one situation where a user interface is required (not one from this lesson but a new one you have thought of yourself).