User Interface

See also: User | Programming

A user interface is needed to ensure computer programming provides good interaction between the user and the information or data that is being created, processed, stored, by both the hardware and software.

As programming has progressed the average computer user’s expectation increases. A good user interface should consider the following human factors;

• time that it takes for the average user to learn commands for the required tasks
• length of time it takes to complete tasks
• user error
• favourability, is the interface enjoyable to use
• does it help process information, retain knowledge again and again.

A user interface should be designed to avoid chaotic formatting which can create unnecessary complexity.

Main Types

• Command Line Interface (CLI) – also called textmode or the console
• Front-end
• Graphical User Interface (GUI)
  • Skins
  • Tabbed Interfaces
• Operating System

Related Topics

• Compatibility
• Cognition
• Engineering
• Information Retrieval
• Integrity
• Legacy
• Model
• Preference
• Perception
• Psychology
• Robustness
• Redundancy
• Standards
• Technology

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