Encyclopedia of Computer Science and Technology

user interface 489Because a system like Windows or the Macintosh providesdevelopers with standardized interface objects andconventions, users are able to learn the basics of operatinga new application more quickly. Whereas in the old daysdifferent programs might use slightly different keystrokesor commands for saving a file, Windows users know that invirtually any application they can open the File menu andselect Save, or press Ctrl-S.With the growth of the World Wide Web, interfacedesign has extended to Web pages. Generally, Web pagesuse similar elements to desktop GUIs, but there are somespecial considerations such as browser compatibility,response at differing connection speeds, and the integrationof text and interactive elements.GUIs do have some general drawbacks. An experienceduser of a text-based operating system might be able to typea precise command that could find all files of a given typeon the system and copy them to a backup directory. TheGUI counterpart might involve opening the Search menu,typing a file specification, and making further selectionsand menu choices to perform the copy. Command-drivensystems also provide for powerful scripting capabilities.GUI systems often allow for the recording of keystrokes ormenu selections, but this is less powerful and versatile.Another important consideration is the difficulty thatpeople with certain disabilities may have in using GUI systems.There are a variety of possible solutions, many ofwhich are incorporated in Microsoft Windows, Web browsers,and other software. These include screen magnifier orreader utilities for the visually impaired and alternatives tothe mouse such as head tracker/pointers (see disabled personsand computing).Designers of user interfaces have to consider whether theelements of the system are intuitively understandable andconsistent and whether they can be manipulated in efficientyet natural ways (see also ergonomics of computing).Alternative and Future InterfacesThe marketplace has spoken, and the desktop GUI is nowthe mainstream interface for most ordinary PC users. However,there are a variety of other interfaces that are used forparticular circumstances or applications, such as:• touchscreens (as with ATMs) (see touchscreen)• handwriting or written “gesture” recognition, such ason handheld computers (see handwriting recognition)or for drawing tablets• voice-controlled systems (see speech recognitionand synthesis)• trackballs, joysticks, and touchpads (used as mousealternatives)• virtual reality interfaces using head-mounted systems,sensor gloves, and so on (see virtual reality)Because much interaction with computers is now away fromthe desktop and taking place on laptops, handheld, or palmcomputers, and even in cars, there is likely to be continuingexperimentation with user interface design.Further ReadingArlov, Laura. GUI Design for Dummies. New York: Wiley, 1997.Galitz, Wilbert O. The Essential Guide to User Interface Design: AnIntroduction to GUI Design Principles and Techniques. 3rd ed.Indianapolis: Wiley, 2007.Hobart, John. “Principles of Good GUI Design.” Available online.URL: http://www.iie.org.mx/Monitor/v01n03/ar_ihc2.htm.Accessed August 23, 2007.Johnson, Jeff. GUI Bloopers 2.0: Common User Interface DesignDon’ts and Dos. San Francisco: Morgan Kaufmann, 2007.Krug, Steve. Don’t Make Me Think: A Common Sense Approach toWeb Usability. 2nd ed. Berkeley, Calif.: New Riders, 2005.Stephenson, Neil. In the Beginning Was the Command Line. NewYork: Avon Books, 1999.