1. Component 1
Learning Aim A1
1. Definition of user interface
BTEC TECH Award in Digital Information Technology
2. WALT: Define the software and human features of a user interface
What are we learning today? (Objectives)
Definition of user interface:
software features
human features
how software features can be used to facilitate
human–device interaction.
3. WALT: Define the software and human features of a user interface
In Pairs: -
Discuss and identify the tasks that a shop assistant may want to complete
using an electronic till
What would a customer have to complete using a self-service ticket machine
at the train or bus station.
Please write your answers in the section provided to help you on OneNote
4. WALT: Define the software and human features of a user interface
User Interface Definition
A user interface is the software that you can see when
using a device. It allows you to respond to a device by
entering information. This can include using a mouse,
keyboard or touchscreen. You can now also use sound with
some modern devices, where you enter commands by
using your voice
DISCUSS
5. WALT: Define the software and human features of a user interface
Human Features of a User Interface.
When you use any computerised device you must interact
with the system. The User Interface allows you to do
that. This is a method that you use to interact with the
computer in order for it to respond to your requests.
It could be with a Keyboard or Mouse.
How else could you interact with a system?
6. WALT: Define the software and human features of a user interface
Human Features: -
Humans are the individuals that use a device. A device can be used by
a small group of users within an organisation or by millions of users
across the world. Users may have different:
Accessibility needs – for example, some users may have visual needs
and may need some parts of the user interface enlarged. Other users
may have hearing needs and may need to read text rather than listen
to text being read aloud.
Skill levels – for example, some users may be able to operate a user
interface on their own. Other users may not have a lot of confidence
using digital devices.
Demographics – for example, users may be different ages and
therefore have different experiences of using digital devices.
7. WALT: Define the software and human features of a user interface
Software Features: -
Software is the part of the user interface that allows the
user to enter commands into a device. This is usually
something that the user will see or hear such as:
Menus – for example, a user may select an option to
change the brightness of the screen or to change the font
styles in word-processing software
Voice – for example, the device may read parts of the
screen aloud for a user who has accessibility needs.
Forms – for example, a user may enter details of a person
into their contacts list or enter their payment details
when buying products online
8. WALT: Define the software and human features of a user interface
Human to Device Interaction
Humans and devices obviously work in different
ways, so careful planning needs to go into
designing how the two will interact. When
designing a user interface, you need to consider
all user needs and the features of the device
User Interfaces are installed across a vast range
of devices. The table on the next page gives us
some examples.
9. WALT: Define the software and human features of a user interface
User Interface Table
Type of Device Definition Example Device
Computers General computers that
are used in the work
place
Desktop computer
Laptop computer
Handheld Devices Small devices that are
portable
Digital watch
Smart phone
Entertainment Systems Devices used at home for
leisure such as watching
movies
Game console
Home cinema system
Domestic Appliances Used to complete
household chores
Washing machine
Microwave
Controlling Devices These are used to control
other devices
Burglar alarm
Central heating
Embedded Systems Smaller systems that sit
inside a larger system
Car braking system
Aeroplane autopilots
10. WALT: Define the software and human features of a user interface
Bronze
Explain what a
User Interface is.
Silver
Using each ‘TYPE’ of
device in the table.
Explain: -
What tasks you have
carried out on the
device
How you interacted
with the device (i.e
keyboard or mouse)
How easy was it to use
the device and why?
Gold
Task outline
Using the device
‘TYPES’ – List other
examples of devices.
Explain the advantages
of each type and where
they might be useful.
Explain the drawbacks
of each device and
where you would avoid
using them.
