GUI

GUI - Graphical User Interface

A graphical user interface allows a user to interact with a computer without entering code. The combination of an input device (such as a mouse or stylus) and visual representations of the workspace and tasks, the user is able to interact with the computer in a manner similar to the physical manipulations available in the real world.

For example, in a GUI, an electronic file is typically represented by a file icon. Data contained in the file can be moved to a new location by simply moving the file icon. Behind-the-scenes this physical interaction is translated into a series of commands, i.e.

  1. Access the chosen file
  2. Copy the data from the file
  3. Navigate to a new location on the computer
  4. Insert the file data in the new location
  5. Delete the data from the old location

An interface enables a user to interact with a system to perform a task. For example:

  • Website navigation (hyperlinks, search tools, etc.) enables a user to find content
  • A shopping cart/basket system enables goods to be ordered
  • The formatting palette in Microsoft Word enables a user to change text colour, size, font, etc.

An interface may combine a number of types of sensory cues:

  • Visual/graphic: text (labels); shape, colour and size; spatial cues such as beveling and shadows to indicate 'click-ability'; icons; change when moused-over; etc.
  • Aural: speech, beeps, clicks, etc.
  • Tactile (touch)

An effective interface combines the available, contextually-appropriate sensory cues to:

  • Inform users of the task the interface can be used to complete
  • Provide feedback (in response to interaction) to confirm task status (often referred to as closure).
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References: [1]www.designtalkboard.com [2]www.webopedia.com [3]www.motive.co.nz [4]www.joedolson.com [5]www.wikipedia.org [6]www.beseenwebdesign.com [7]www.launchmark.com [8]www.101webbuilders.com [9]www.answers.com [10]www.usabilityfirst.com [11]www.designer-info.com

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