DESIGNING THE USER INTERFACE - Different Interfaces 22 nd AUGUST 2005 LOWER SIXTH COMPUTING LESSON Prepared by:T.Fina

WIMP INTERFACE 1 WIMP stands for Windows, Icons, Mouse and Pull-down menus. WIMP stands for Windows, Icons, Mouse and Pull-down menus. A window is an area on the screen through which a particular piece of software or a data file may be viewed. A window is an area on the screen through which a particular piece of software or a data file may be viewed. The window can occupy the whole screen, or the user can choose to have several windows on the screen with a different application running in each one. The window can occupy the whole screen, or the user can choose to have several windows on the screen with a different application running in each one. Windows can be moved, sized, stacked one on top of the corner, opened and closed. Windows can be moved, sized, stacked one on top of the corner, opened and closed. A window environment mimics a desktop on which a worker may have several books or pieces of paper spread out for reference. A window environment mimics a desktop on which a worker may have several books or pieces of paper spread out for reference.

An icon is a small picture representing an item such as a piece of software, a file, storage medium (such as disk or tape) or command. An icon is a small picture representing an item such as a piece of software, a file, storage medium (such as disk or tape) or command. By pointing with a mouse at a particular icon and clicking the mouse button the user can select it. By pointing with a mouse at a particular icon and clicking the mouse button the user can select it. Microsoft Windows enables the user to run several different software packages such as MSWord (Word Processor), MSExcel (spreadsheet), MSPaint (a graphics package) simultaneously and to move data and graphics from one package to another. Microsoft Windows enables the user to run several different software packages such as MSWord (Word Processor), MSExcel (spreadsheet), MSPaint (a graphics package) simultaneously and to move data and graphics from one package to another. WIMP INTERFACE 2

When a user is required to enter data such as for example, sales invoices or customer names and addresses, it is common to have a ‘form’ displayed on the screen for the user to fill in. When a user is required to enter data such as for example, sales invoices or customer names and addresses, it is common to have a ‘form’ displayed on the screen for the user to fill in. The following points should be noted when designing forms of this type: The following points should be noted when designing forms of this type: The display should be given a title to identify it. The display should be given a title to identify it. The form should not be too cluttered. Spaces and blanks in a display are important. The form should not be too cluttered. Spaces and blanks in a display are important. It should give some indication of how many characters can be entere din each field of data. It should give some indication of how many characters can be entere din each field of data. The user should be given a chance to go back and correct any field before the data is accepted. The user should be given a chance to go back and correct any field before the data is accepted. Items should appear in a logical sequence to assist the user. Items should appear in a logical sequence to assist the user. FORMS AND DIALOGUE BOXES 1

Default values should wherever possible be pre-written onto the form so that a minimum of data entry is required. Default values should wherever possible be pre-written onto the form so that a minimum of data entry is required. Full exit and ‘help’ facilities should be provided. E.g. the user could enter ‘?’ in a field if he requires more information. Full exit and ‘help’ facilities should be provided. E.g. the user could enter ‘?’ in a field if he requires more information. Lower case in a display is neater and easier to read than upper-case. Lower case in a display is neater and easier to read than upper-case. ‘Attention-getting’ devices such as blinking cursors, high- intensity, reverse video, underlining etc. should not be over-used. ‘Attention-getting’ devices such as blinking cursors, high- intensity, reverse video, underlining etc. should not be over-used. FORMS AND DIALOGUE BOXES 2

DIALOGUE BOXES Dialogue boxes are a special type form often associated with the Windows environment; an example shown below is the dialogue box which appears when the instruction to Print a file is given in PageMaker. Dialogue boxes are a special type form often associated with the Windows environment; an example shown below is the dialogue box which appears when the instruction to Print a file is given in PageMaker.

COMMAND-DRIVEN INTERFACES With this type of interface very little help is given to the user, who has to type a command. With this type of interface very little help is given to the user, who has to type a command. Such as, for example, DELETE FILE1 to delete a file. Such as, for example, DELETE FILE1 to delete a file. Commands enable a user to quickly and concisely instruct the computer what to do, but they do require the user to have a knowledge of the commands available and the syntax for using them. Commands enable a user to quickly and concisely instruct the computer what to do, but they do require the user to have a knowledge of the commands available and the syntax for using them. How do you delete two files? How do you delete two files?

SPECIAL PURPOSE HUMAN- COMPUTER INTERFACES Sometimes, the HCI is provided by special hardware and software. Sometimes, the HCI is provided by special hardware and software. For example in a cash dispensing machine, or in an automatic pilot system in an aircraft where special dials convey information to the human pilot. For example in a cash dispensing machine, or in an automatic pilot system in an aircraft where special dials convey information to the human pilot. Embedded computers are computers built into special purpose equipment and controlled by an interface specific to that purpose, like a washing machine. Embedded computers are computers built into special purpose equipment and controlled by an interface specific to that purpose, like a washing machine.