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SYLLABUS 

  • features of a user interface 12 ATAR

 

VOCABULARY

  • user interface (UI) = is the way humans interact or engage with a computing device, handheld, laptop or desktop
  • device interface = every computing device has an interface that people use in order to 'work' the device
  • interaction with the device could be clicking a mouse, sliding a finger across a screen, talking to or listening to the device
  • usability = how easy it is to use
  • inclusivity = a sense of belonging, can participate. Include community, culture as well as
  • accessibility = "To allow people with and without disabilities to benefit from the same services" source

DETAILS

  • UI includes input controls; buttons, text input boxes, radio buttons, check boxes, drop down lists
  • UI includes navigation controls; breadcrumbs, sliders, search fields
  • UI includes information components; tool tips, progress bar, message box

Graphical user interface (GUI) suitable for target audience

  • if a target audience is 5 years old, large pics, not much text, bright colours
  • if a target audience is 55 years old, small pics, text, normal colours
  • match the interface to the users (target audience)

Logical and hierarchical organisation of content

  • UI should be well set out, not cluttered, easy to follow, large sites should have a sitemap for hierarchical organisation
  • UI should have a flow that is easy to understand. Small sites should have a menu system that is named using common names (logical organisation, eg About Us, Contact Us, Home etc
  • Let things go where they are expected to go.

Relevant help features of a graphical user interface

  • usability; people will be able to use the website more effectively with the following;
    • a search function
    • a site map
    • breadcrumbs
  • inclusivity;
    • language choice,
    • cultural sensitivity (images in one culture may not be liked in another culture),
    • gender neutral or specific
  • accessibility;
    • font resizeable,
    • alternate text for images,
    • screen readers (software that vision impaired people buy to be able to 'read' the screen) 
    • choose colour blind friendly colours (not red and green together)

 


 

FOR YOU TO DO

  1. Name and describe 3 functions on a website that help with usability.
  2. Name and describe 3 functions on a website that help with inclusivity.
  3. Name and describe 4 functions on a website that help with accessibility.
  4. Write a short paragraph explaining the difference between usability, inclusivity and accessibility.

 

Learn more from PC Magazine,  boogdesign (good site), perspectives, W3C
 
 
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