The Principles of GUI

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From previous decades, communication and user interfaces were limited (Marcus, 1997). Most computers used DOS which is operating system. However, this system is necessary to operate computers, but users should learn DOS orders and understand the correct form (Arora et al 2005). From starting using DOS, programmers have tried to make user interface easier than DOS user interface then they invented graphical user interface which called GUI. Today, development of communication interface authorise beginner, intermediate and expert users to deal easily with computers (Marcus, 1997). According to Barker & Lamont (1994) and Marcus (1997), to make a good GUI, professional programmers should notice user’s requirements and pursue general rules-of-thumb such as decline the number of mistakes and make these error fixable. There are many principles of design which lead the GUI designers to realise user’s environment and the interaction (ISO, 1998 cited in Kortum, 2008, P12; Marcus, 1997). This essay will discuss the principles of the GUI and what makes a good GUI.

There are many definitions to clarify the general meaning of the GUI. Marchand (2003) claims that GUI means users can interact with computer easily without using programing orders. This statement leads to the GUI might be complex programme because it links between the operating system and users. Another definition of the GUI is the programme which completes the users’ needs (smith, 2006). This definition guide to the communication between the users and the computer may become easily for beginners, intermediates and experts and they do not have to memorise the programing commands.

The GUIs are probably used for many purposes. Firstly, programmers develop the appearance of the progr...

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...s to deliver difficult information and appears the display more attractive. However, the designers memorise some guidelines to make the symbolism effective such as using clear symbols or icons which users can understand what this icon do and make the size, weight and angles consistent (Marcus, 1997). Thirdly, one of the most important design organisations is the GUI colours. Colour is effective on the communication between users and programmes. Colour refers to hue such as wavelength and combinations, value such as degree of lightness or darkness, and chroma such as degree of purity or vividness. There are many tasks colour such as underline the main information, recognise subsystem or structures and describe time or progress ((Kortum, 2008 and Marcus, 1997).

Works Cited

(Kortum, 2008), (Marcus, 1997), (Barker & Lamont, 1994), Marchand (2003), (Arora et al 2005)

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