User Interface

User interface is a visual part of a computer operating system or application through
which a user interacts with software or a computer. It determines how programs are given to
the program or computer and the display of information on the screen. It has two main
components; action language which characterizes human-computer-portion and presentation
language which is computer to human. In the past computer software was not user friendly,
the user adapted to the system. In the present day, the rule has changed where the system
adapts to the user delivering the importance of design principles.
There are three types of user interface; graphical user interface (GUI), menu and
command language (Butow, 2007). In graphical user interface commands are given by user
through selecting and clicking on displayed icons on the screen. The main menu is always
displayed on the screen with single words and it has secondary menus that are grouped in to
similar features. The secondary drop line menus contain more than one word and display
additional options or perform actions. Some menu are grey in colour and they portray the
current activity are unavailable.
Graphical user interface provides a strong metaphor in the application. It helps in
graphical representation in the screen and it is accomplished with joystick, mouse, and
keyboard. GUIs require more system sophistication than other interfaces. Menu interfaces
commands are chosen by the user from list displayed on the screen (Galitz, 2007). In the
menu interface, there is nested menu which is reached through other menu. Command
interface language is more popular than menu and GUI. They allow the user to be in control
of the applications through a series of keystrokes, phrases, command or some of their
sequences (Kendall & Kendall, 1999).

Running Head: USER INTERFACE

3
Theo Mandel golden rules of design represent high level beliefs and concept used as
guideline for software design. The user interface designs principles are in three areas; place
users in control of the interface, consistence of the user interface and reduce memory load of
users. Each interface adheres differently to Mandel 5 golden rule according to its
applicability. Implementation of the principles varies differently according to operating
systems, hardware environment, interface design goal and user interface capabilities. The
following are the analysis of how these interfaces adhere to the 5 golden rules (Wiley, 1997).
In menu interface, technical reliability is a main with the shortcuts keys showing
effort in parallel programs. The mouse methods should create similar results wherever in the
menu interface. As in gold rule of users to be in control, a sure should use either the mouse or
keyboard to access the menu bar. There should be reversible and immediate actions on the
menu bar indicating undo and redo and where changes cannot be performed it should be said
in advance. In menu interface, should have meaningful paths and exits, allowing users to
move upward or downwards, front or backward. (Wiley, 1997)
In command-language interface, the golden rule of placing the user in control is
applicable through, displaying helpful descriptive texts and messages. It should also make the
user interface transparent by facilitating the user needs and allowing them in customizing
their preferences. Through this interface, users can interact through manipulation of devices
in the machine. The users can command exit paths in case they are disrupted by phones,
colleagues and other distraction by putting their work in modes they can continue to later.
The user can command the machine and is free to use either mouse or keyboard at any time.
Graphical user interface (GUI) applies the Mendel’s golden rule of the user being in
control and requires more system sophistication than the others; the user accomplishes GUIs
through joystick, mouse or keyboard input and thus should be most flexible. The user in

Running Head: USER INTERFACE

4
GUIs should have feedbacks immediate and reversible actions. GUIs interact with other
interfaces, and the menu displays descriptive text and messages that are helpful, if the menu
is grey, it illustrates inactivity. It should be interruptible by allowing users to change focus by
giving options to save or cancel and return to where they left. A well-designed interface
allows comfort and entertainment to users while the computer system is completing a process
(Wiley, 1997).
The golden rule 2 reduces memory load of the user, the computer interface should
allow users in remembering information while they use computers. Humans are not made in
remembering things thus programs are designed in that fact in mind. Users do many things in
short period, thus computer interfaces should take the task of storing some of the information.
In menu interface, program elements such as copy, paste and cut allow users to use
information and manipulate it in multiple places. The computer should provide menus and
lists with selectable items instead of fields where users type information without system
support.
GUIs utilizes the golden rule, it should remember basic information once they are put
in the system like, phone number, customer address and name. It should be able to retrieve
previous information without the user need to type the whole information again. The interface
should provide visual cues to remind users on what they are doing. In command interface
language, users should be able to produce shortcuts after familiarizing with the programs.
There should be easy access to common and frequently used features.
The interface should be consistent, in GUIs individual fields, buttons and menu items
should have specific aids such as help tips. Users are to see objects and information in the
same physical, logical and visual way through the product. The interface should provide
aesthetic integrity with consistent colours, icons, fonts and window layouts throughout the

Running Head: USER INTERFACE

5
product. The interfaces should force people to unlearn things that they have learnt for years.
Interface designers should produce friendly interfaces that encourage users for exploration
leading changes in interfaces.
The menu interface should have; the undo and redo, copy, cut and paste options to
allow changes to users where necessary. The menu should contain secondary windows of
information that is not key information. Through this, users are prompted to navigate for
more information helping them learn more. The GUIs should be more predictable, enticing,
intuitive, than the past designed interfaces. The design team should be skilled in presenting
information with the right media and designing it appropriately.
The command language interface should change from being user friendly to fun-to-
use and user-seductive product interfaces even in business environment. The system through
command should be able to retrieve information to help users in not typing the information
again.

Running Head: USER INTERFACE

6

Referencing

Butow, E. (2007). User interface design for mere mortals. Boston: Addison-Wesley.
Galitz, W. (2007). The essential guide to user interface design. Indianapolis, IN:
Wiley Pub.
Kendall, K., & Kendall, J. (1999). Systems analysis and design. Upper Saddle River,
N.J.: Prentice Hall.
Wiley, John. (1997)”The Golden Rule of User Interface”. N.p., 1997. Web. 12 Apr.
2016