Topic 1.6 - System Design

Question 1

What is a HCI?

Answer 1

It’s a Human Computer Interface

- How the user interacts with the system

Question 2

What is a text-based interface?

Answer 2

AKA command line interface, all inputs and outputs are text.

Question 3

What are the advantages of a text-based interface?

Answer 3

• Easy to implement on basic display
• Faster for experts to use
• Uses fewest system resources

Question 4

What is a GUI?

Answer 4

• Graphical User Interface
• Uses WIMP
• Typical OS for a PC

Question 5

What does WIMP stand for?

Answer 5

W - Windows
I - Icons
M - Menus
P - Pointers (use of mouse)

Question 6

What are the advantages of a GUI?

Answer 6

• Icons are intuitive
• Good for beginners
• No need to remember commands
• Customisation
• Easy to cut & paste between applications

Question 7

What are the disadvantages of a text-based interface?

Answer 7

• Have to learn commands
• Errors can be made by user
• Interaction is limited to keyboard

Question 8

What are the disadvantages of a GUI?

Answer 8

• Use a lot of system resources
• Complex to design
• Longer load times

Question 9

What is a forms dialog interface?

Answer 9

They are on screen forms displayed to the user which they can enter data into. Select options using objects such as:

• text boxes
• radio buttons
• drop-down boxes

Question 10

What are the advantages of a forms dialog box?

Answer 10

• Objects help reduce input errors
• Can tab between inputs
• Intuitive to fill in
• Validation
• Allows changes to be made whilst still visible

Question 11

What is free-format dialog?

Answer 11

• Instructions typed in close to ‘normal’ English

- Used in some search engines

Question 12

What are dedicated keys?

Answer 12

AKA Hot keys, are where certain combinations of keys perform a pre-defined function.

Question 13

What are soft keys?

Answer 13

Keys available for the user to programme to perform a function of their choice.

Question 14

What are the different types of pointing devices?

Answer 14

• Mouse
• Touchpad
• Tracker ball
• Joystick
• Light pen

Question 15

What are the benefits of using a touch pad?

Answer 15

Can be fitted onto smaller devices such as a laptop.