User Interface User Interface Functions and Features of Ui Graphical User Interface Design of User Interface Elements of Ui

Abstract

User interface is the first impression of a software system from the user's point of view. Therefore any software system must satisfy the requirement of user. User Interface UI mainly performs two functions − Accepting the user's input Displaying the output User interface plays a crucial role in any software system. It is possibly the only visible aspect of a software system as − Users will initially see the architecture of software system's external user interface without considering its internal architecture. A good user interface must attract the user to use the software system without mistakes. It should help the user to understand the software system easily without misleading information. A bad UI may cause market failure against the competition of software system. UI has its syntax and semantics. The syntax comprises component types such as textual, icon, button etc. and usability summarizes the semantics of UI. The quality of UI is characterized by its look and feel syntax and its usability semantics. There are basically two major kinds of user interface − a) Textual b) Graphical. Software in different domains may require different style of its user interface for e.g. calculator need only a small area for displaying numeric numbers, but a big area for commands, A web page needs forms, links, tabs, etc. A graphical user interface is the most common type of user interface available today. It is a very user friendly because it makes use of pictures, graphics, and icons-hence why it is called 'graphical'. It is also known as a WIMP interface because it makes use of − Windows − A rectangular area on the screen where the commonly used applications run. Icons − A picture or symbol which is used to represent a software application or hardware device. Menus − A list of options from which the user can choose what they require. Pointers − A symbol such as an arrow which moves around the screen as user moves the mouse. It helps user to select objects. It starts with task analysis which understands the user's primary tasks and problem domain. It should be designed in terms of User's terminology and outset of user's job rather than programmer's. Proper or good UI design works from the user's capabilities and limitations not the machines. While designing the UI, knowledge of the nature of the user's work and environment is also critical. To perform user interface …