Typical features of ICT interfaces

WINDOWS

ICONS

MENUS

POINTERS

WINDOWS - allow switching between different views

ICONS - provide pictorial shortcuts to other features of the program

MENUS - provide a structure that displays a list of the available options

POINTERS - allow objects to be dragged and dropped

OPTIONS

COMMANDS

NAVIGATION

EXAMPLE

OPTIONS Provide a limted choice of options for the user

COMMANDS No need to enter any commands

NAVIGATION No need for navigation

EXAMPLE ATM (Automated teller machine) in a bank

COMMANDS

SYNTAX

EXPERIENCE

EXAMPLE

COMMANDS- The user types in commands to tell the system what to do

SYNTAX - The exact syntax (technical language) should be used, otherwise the system will not understand.

EXPERIENCE - A user must have considerable experience in order to be able to use this. It is usually only used when manipulating the operating system, and would not normally be used by novices.

EXAMPLE - MSDOS

LANGUAGE

QUESTIONS

MATCH

AMBIGUITY

LANGUAGE - Allows the computer to communicate with everyday language

QUESTIONS - The user types in a question, just as they would ask it to someone else

MATCH - The system tries to match the question with its database of answers (FAQs)

AMBIGUITY- Beware of issues of interpretation- users may not phrase their questions as expected