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Architectural Concerns (Input Devices)

Input Device Advantages Disadvantages
Keyboard
  1. Good for alphanumeric input
  2. Speed is a learned skill
  3. Usable with little training
  1. Bulk size
  2. Icon unfriendly
  3. Slow for the unskilled
Mouse
  1. Icon friendly
  2. Usable with little training
  1. Linked to repetitive strain injury
  2. Demands moderate operating space
  3. Text unfriendly
Trackball
  1. Icon friendly
  2. Helps many with mobility problems
  3. Usable with little training
  4. Demands operating space
  1. Text unfriendly
Joystick
  1. Icon friendly
  2. Demand for small operating space
  3. Usable with little training
  1. Accuracy
  2. Text unfriendly
Touch Screen
  1. Highly usable
  2. Environmentally robust
  3. Solution to some dexterity problems
  1. Inaccurate
  2. Text is slow
  3. Link to repetitive strain injury
Voice
  1. Hands are free for other tasks
  2. Solves many mobility problems
  3. May contain implied security
  1. Subject to language abilities
  2. Background noise
  3. Vocal problems can be inflated
Other Sources
    Scanners, light pen, graphics tablet, digital camera, sensors, instruments, etc.

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Interaction Methods

  • Command Language

    A formal language used to direct the system; eg. MS-DOS, JES2, TSO

  • Form Interaction

    A paradigm of fill-in-the-blanks used to gather textual data; eg. bank deposit screens, logon screens.

  • Menus

    Selection of options and suboptions out of lists. Interactivity can ensure completeness and consistency; eg. similar to restaurant graphic software; uses menu for color, brush size.

  • Window or Object

    Icons representing objects are activated and manipulated; eg. Windows, OS/2, many Web applications, Pow Wow, CU C-ME (eg. Chinese, French).

  • Natural Language

    The use of human language to direct the computer operation; eg. 'Ask Jeeves.'

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Dialogs

  • Dialog Management

    Planning, design, and control of the multiple interactions between computer and users.

  • Dialog Diagrams

    Screen / Window box:

    Example:

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Responding to the User

  1. Error Messages: when an input or processing exception occurs an error message should be triggered.

  2. Prompting: when input is not forthcoming, a prompt may lubricate the dialog.

  3. Help: is a user request for clarification. Help may be an attribute to all information structures within the system.

  4. Status: is a computer communication to inform the user of current activity.

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