Menu Driven Interface - Assignment Example

MENU DRIVEN INTERFACE Introduction The growing automation of services has introduced the requirement for people to make interactions, and communicate with machines. Such communication becomes enabled through a series of command prompts displayed by the device operating the machine. Computer or device interfaces are platforms which enable the users to communicate with the device, and get responses. The interfaces are controlled in different manners, which define and differentiate the user interfaces from each other. User interfaces can be based on various functions including menu, command line, and dialogue, among many other functions. Menu driven interfaces refer to interfaces which enable users to make interactions with computers or technological devices through menus, leading in a series of different screens. The various commands provided by the device enable the user to navigate through the devices and perform various desired functions. Dialogue strategies in menu driven interfaces The aspect of communication remains the most essential element in ensuring an individual’s capacity to operate a computer or device. In enhancing communication, a dialogue must become established between the person and the device. Within a menu-driven interface dialogue with users becomes established through the information contained within the device, which provides options to users, from which to choose from (Ong & Tan, 2000). Upon the pressing of each button the device provides a predetermined response, subsequently displaying the next screen, as desired by the user. The dialogue element provides the user with different options regarding the services being sought. The device offers guidelines towards ensuring the user performs the desired function. The screens are designed in a sequence which leads the user towards achieving the desired purpose. Menu-driven interfaces The modern age has seen tremendous improvement in the utilization of menu driven interfaces among many technological devices. The increased utilization of these interfaces could be attributed to the following reasons Simplicity – menu driven interfaces remain relatively easy to utilize as individuals only have to follow prompts provided by the device. This makes it possible for individuals without previous knowledge of the device become able to use these devices (Gudur, Blackler, Popovic, & Mahar, 2013). All an individual requires in knowledge of the language which the interface communicates with, and following the commands. No commands – the users do not have to enter commands into the device to produce certain information. The use of commands requires individuals to remember various commands for different devices which make it extremely difficult to utilize, command-driven interfaces among commonly utilized devices like mobile phones and cash machines. Options – menu-driven interfaces provide users with options regarding the functions they want to perform using the device. Even without knowledge of the device, users can guess from the options provided. Many of these interfaces always have an option for going back to previous menu, where one can select a different choice. Programing – menu-driven interfaces have been defined easy to programs as they require simple sets of instruction. Beginner programmers can develop such interfaces easily as they are not complicated. These interfaces require little processing power and memory, hence can be effectively utilized in small devices without requiring additional memory (Gudur et al., 2013). Presentation – these interfaces can be presented in different forms and don’t have to be visual. Verbal sounds can be utilized within these interfaces to enhance their utilization among visually challenged individuals. Visual appeal in Menu-driven interfaces Menu-driven interfaces have been increasingly utilized for usage among individuals with visual impairments, because of the capability to introduce sound features within these interfaces. Various methods can be utilized to enhance the visual appeal of these interfaces (Reinecke & Bernstein, 2011). This becomes essential in enhancing user experience when making interactions with the devices. Some strategies which can be utilized include the following. Color – color has been identified as producing emotional properties regarding a person’s opinion of visual objects. The utilization of color among the different screens appearing on the device could enhance the visual appeal for the interface. In creating harmony with the environment, the brightness of the color should be different from that of the immediate environment. This would induce visual appeal following clarity of the interface, which is created by different brightness. Animation – animated visual objects have been known to have powerful effects upon users. Different commands within the interface could be represented through animated icons, which make the interface increasingly appealing to the users. Animations can be used to show the users as being inside the device, which enhances user experience. Analogy – this refers to the process of transferring meanings of objects between different subjects. The aspect of analogy can be utilized through creation of images which arouse the cognition of the user towards certain attributes. This can be depicted through pictograms and other images within the interface. Within a cash machine, for example, instead of an option for withdrawing cash, the interface could present an image of individual receiving money from a cash machine. These can enhance usability of the interface by people who cannot understand the language. Emerging user interfaces Traditionally, direct manipulation and menu-driven interfaces were as being user friendly and simpler compared to command-driven interfaces. Natural user interface (NUI), however, presents the modern trend which could out-phase the increasingly utilized menu-driven interfaces. These interfaces are based on natural language, speech and handwriting, which provide personalized experiences among users. Compared to menu-driven interfaces, NUI presents the following advantages which could be essential in replacing menu-driven interfaces NUI methods provide enhanced security features through recognition of personal attributes, and could be utilized in eliminating PIN numbers, commonly utilized within many menu driven interfaces for security. Personalization of services which would enhance authentication of the users because of the utilization of natural attributes. The method presents a direct link to the desired services, eliminating the sequential appearance of numerous screens in Menu-driven interfaces. They do not require increased features to enhance user experience. The personalized features of these systems ensure effective user experience. Conclusion User interfaces provide individuals with the capability to engage in dialogues with computers, consequently performing various functions through the devices. Many user interfaces exist, which can be effectively utilized in performing various functions using technological devices. The simplicity in usage remains the fundamental reason for selecting a particular interface, over others. Menu-driven interfaces have gained popularity because of their usage simplicity and requirement of little processing power and memory. Despite this popularity, these interfaces could become enhanced visually, by using color, analogy, and animation among other elements (Reinecke & Bernstein, 2011). The emergence of Natural User Interfaces has completely transformed command-driven interfaces and could become the alternative to menu-driven interfaces. NUI provides increased security and offers personalized interaction between humans and technological devices. References Gudur, R. R., Blackler, A., Popovic, V., & Mahar, D. (2013). Ageing, Technology Anxiety and Intuitive Use of Complex Interfaces. In P. Kotze, G. Marsden, G. Lindgaard, J. Wesson, & M. Winckler (Eds.), Human-Computer Interaction – INTERACT 2013 (pp. 564–584). Berlin: Springer Heidelberg. doi:10.1007/978-3-642-40477-1_36 Ong, E. K., & Tan, F. L. (2000). Menu-driven Graphical Interface for MATLAB Control Design. International Journal of Engineering Education, 16(6), 544–552. Retrieved from http://www.ijee.ie/articles/Vol16-6/Ijee1132.pdf Reinecke, K., & Bernstein, A. (2011). Improving performance, perceived usability, and aesthetics with culturally adaptive user interfaces. ACM Transactions on Computer-Human Interaction, 18(2), 8.  Read More