User-Interface Metaphors in Theory and Practice

Theory And Practice ◽

Considerable Research ◽

Almost All ◽

Interface Metaphor ◽

Considerable Detail

<p>User-interface metaphors are a widely used, but poorly understood, technique employed in almost all graphical user-interfaces. Although considerable research has gone into the applications of the technique, little work has been performed on the analysis of the concept itself. In this thesis, user-interface metaphor is defined and classified in considerable detail so as to make it more understandable to those who use it. The theoretical approach is supported by practical exploration of the concepts developed.</p>

Engineering Slidable Graphical User Interfaces with Slime

Proceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction ◽

10.1145/3457147 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (EICS) ◽

pp. 1-29

Author(s):

Arthur Sluÿters ◽

Jean Vanderdonckt ◽

Radu-Daniel Vatavu

Keyword(s):

User Interface ◽

User Interfaces ◽

Domain Model ◽

Transition Diagram ◽

New Device ◽

Computing Platform ◽

Detail Design ◽

Uml Class Diagram ◽

The Impact

Intra-platform plasticity regularly assumes that the display of a computing platform remains fixed and rigid during interactions with the platform in contrast to reconfigurable displays, which can change form depending on the context of use. In this paper, we present a model-based approach for designing and deploying graphical user interfaces that support intra-platform plasticity for reconfigurable displays. We instantiate the model for E3Screen, a new device that expands a conventional laptop with two slidable, rotatable, and foldable lateral displays, enabling slidable user interfaces. Based on a UML class diagram as a domain model and a SCRUD list as a task model, we define an abstract user interface as interaction units with a corresponding master-detail design pattern. We then map the abstract user interface to a concrete user interface by applying rules for the reconfiguration, concrete interaction, unit allocation, and widget selection and implement it in JavaScript. In a first experiment, we determine display configurations most preferred by users, which we organize in the form of a state-transition diagram. In a second experiment, we address reconfiguration rules and widget selection rules. A third experiment provides insights into the impact of the lateral displays on a visual search task.

Collective Administration of Graphical User Interfaces (GUI) in the Light of the BSA Decision

Masaryk University Journal of Law and Technology ◽

10.5817/mujlt2016-2-1 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 10 (2) ◽

pp. 128-147

Author(s):

Pavel Koukal

Keyword(s):

Czech Republic ◽

User Interface ◽

User Interfaces ◽

Copyright Protection ◽

Legal Regulation ◽

Eu Member States ◽

Collective Administration ◽

The Impact

In this paper the author addresses the issue of collective administration of graphical user interfaces according to the impact of the CJEU decision in BSA v. Ministry of Culture on the case-law in one of EU Member states (Czech Republic). The author analyses the decision of the Czech Supreme Court where this Court concluded that visitors of Internet cafés use graphical user interface actively, which represents relevant usage of a copyrighted works within the meaning of Art. 18 the Czech Copyright Act. In this paper, attention is first paid to the definition of graphical user interface, its brief history and possible regimes of intellectual property protection. Subsequently, the author focuses on copyright protection of graphical user interfaces in the Czech law and interprets the BSA decision from the perspective of collective administration of copyright. Although the graphical user interfaces are independent objects of the copyright protection, if they are used while running the computer program the legal regulation of computer programs has priority. Based on conclusions reached by the Supreme Administrative Court of the Czech Republic in the BSA case, the author claims that collective administration of graphical user interfaces is neither reasonable nor effective.

Development of measurement instrument for visual qualities of graphical user interface elements (VISQUAL): a test in the context of mobile game icons

User Modeling and User-Adapted Interaction ◽

10.1007/s11257-020-09263-7 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 30 (5) ◽

pp. 949-982 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Henrietta Jylhä ◽

Juho Hamari

Keyword(s):

User Interface ◽

Human Computer Interaction ◽

User Interfaces ◽

Factor Model ◽

Measurement Instrument ◽

Factor Analyses ◽

Interface Elements ◽

Computer Interaction

Abstract Graphical user interfaces are widely common and present in everyday human–computer interaction, dominantly in computers and smartphones. Today, various actions are performed via graphical user interface elements, e.g., windows, menus and icons. An attractive user interface that adapts to user needs and preferences is progressively important as it often allows personalized information processing that facilitates interaction. However, practitioners and scholars have lacked an instrument for measuring user perception of aesthetics within graphical user interface elements to aid in creating successful graphical assets. Therefore, we studied dimensionality of ratings of different perceived aesthetic qualities in GUI elements as the foundation for the measurement instrument. First, we devised a semantic differential scale of 22 adjective pairs by combining prior scattered measures. We then conducted a vignette experiment with random participant (n = 569) assignment to evaluate 4 icons from a total of pre-selected 68 game app icons across 4 categories (concrete, abstract, character and text) using the semantic scales. This resulted in a total of 2276 individual icon evaluations. Through exploratory factor analyses, the observations converged into 5 dimensions of perceived visual quality: Excellence/Inferiority, Graciousness/Harshness, Idleness/Liveliness, Normalness/Bizarreness and Complexity/Simplicity. We then proceeded to conduct confirmatory factor analyses to test the model fit of the 5-factor model with all 22 adjective pairs as well as with an adjusted version of 15 adjective pairs. Overall, this study developed, validated, and consequently presents a measurement instrument for perceptions of visual qualities of graphical user interfaces and/or singular interface elements (VISQUAL) that can be used in multiple ways in several contexts related to visual human-computer interaction, interfaces and their adaption.

An Empirical Evaluation of a Vocal User Interface for Programming by Voice

International Journal of Information Technologies and Systems Approach ◽

10.4018/ijitsa.2015070104 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 8 (2) ◽

pp. 47-63 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Amber Wagner ◽

Jeff Gray

Keyword(s):

User Interface ◽

User Interfaces ◽

Physical Disabilities ◽

Empirical Evaluation ◽

Programming Environment ◽

Software Applications ◽

Legacy Application ◽

Programming By Voice ◽

Vocal User Interface

Although Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs) often improve usability, individuals with physical disabilities may be unable to use a mouse and keyboard to navigate through a GUI-based application. In such situations, a Vocal User Interface (VUI) may be a viable alternative. Existing vocal tools (e.g., Vocal Joystick) can be integrated into software applications; however, integrating an assistive technology into a legacy application may require tedious and manual adaptation. Furthermore, the challenges are deeper for an application whose GUI changes dynamically (e.g., based on the context of the program) and evolves with each new application release. This paper provides a discussion of challenges observed while mapping a GUI to a VUI. The context of the authors' examples and evaluation are taken from Myna, which is the VUI that is mapped to the Scratch programming environment. Initial user studies on the effectiveness of Myna are also presented in the paper.

Benefiting Design Even Late in the Development Cycle: Contributions by Human Factors Engineers

Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting ◽

10.1177/154193129604000505 ◽

1996 ◽

Vol 40 (5) ◽

pp. 318-322 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Merissa Walkenstein ◽

Ronda Eisenberg

Keyword(s):

Experimental Study ◽

User Interface ◽

Human Factors ◽

User Interfaces ◽

Late Stage ◽

Development Process ◽

Design And Development ◽

Development Cycle

This paper describes an experimental study that compares a graphical user interface for a computer-telephony product designed without the involvement of a human factors engineer to a redesign of that interface designed with a human factors engineer late in the development cycle. Both interfaces were usability tested with target customers. Results from a number of measures, both subjective and objective, indicate that the interface designed with the human factors engineer was easier to use than the interface designed without the human factors engineer. The results of this study show the benefits of involving human factors engineers in the design of graphical user interfaces even towards the end of a development cycle. However, this involvement is most effective when human factors engineers are included as an integral part of the design and development process even at this late stage in the process.

Advanced Technology-Assisted Problem Solving in Engineering Education - Advances in Educational Technologies and Instructional Design ◽

Interface Design

10.4018/978-1-7998-0465-9.ch003 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 78-112

Keyword(s):

User Interface ◽

User Interfaces ◽

Interface Design ◽

User Interface Design ◽

Usability Evaluation ◽

Learning Theories ◽

Ui Design ◽

Interaction Styles ◽

Evaluation Instruments

User interface (UI) design is the process of making interfaces in software or computerized devices with a focus on looks or style. Designers aim to create designs users will find easy to use and pleasurable. IU design typically refers to graphical user interfaces but also includes others, such as voice-controlled ones. In this chapter, the user interface design and the grounded learning theories are discussed. Next, the interaction styles and the types of interactions are discussed. The usability benchmark and the usability evaluation instruments are also discussed in this chapter.

User Experience in Using Graphical User Interfaces of Web Maps

ISPRS International Journal of Geo-Information ◽

10.3390/ijgi9070412 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 (7) ◽

pp. 412 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Paweł Cybulski ◽

Tymoteusz Horbiński

Keyword(s):

User Interface ◽

Eye Movement ◽

User Experience ◽

User Interfaces ◽

Interactive Multimedia ◽

Simulation Environment ◽

Web Map ◽

Interactive Task

The purpose of this article is to show the differences in users’ experience when performing an interactive task with GUI buttons arrangement based on Google Maps and OpenStreetMap in a simulation environment. The graphical user interface is part of an interactive multimedia map, and the interaction experience depends mainly on it. For this reason, we performed an eye-tracking experiment with users to examine how people experience interaction through the GUI. Based on the results related to eye movement, we presented several valuable recommendations for the design of interactive multimedia maps. For better GUI efficiency, it is suitable to group buttons with similar functions in screen corners. Users first analyze corners and only then search for the desired button. The frequency of using a given web map does not translate into generally better performance while using any GUI. Users perform more efficiently if they work with the preferred GUI.

Application and Utility of a Human System Interface Style Guide

Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting ◽

10.1177/154193129804201803 ◽

1998 ◽

Vol 42 (18) ◽

pp. 1291-1294

Author(s):

Dalene M. Shin

Keyword(s):

User Interface ◽

Human Factors ◽

User Interfaces ◽

Interface Design ◽

Development Process ◽

Human System ◽

Descriptive Content ◽

Reference Manual ◽

Consistent Application

The focus of this paper is the utility and application of a Human System Interface (HSI) Style Guide. There are a number of reasons for the routine adaptation of a tool such as a style guide. First, consistent application of human factors guidelines, methods and principles is ensured in the design of Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs). Secondly, a style guide is a mechanism for integrating human factors early into the development of any system or process. A HSI style guide is also an explicit resource for designers responsible for user interface, standards and principles. Moreover, serving as a reference manual, a style guide positively impacts user interface design as well as implementation decisions and accompanying rationale. Finally, through the descriptive content and structure, the style guide communicates human factors processes thus allowing for full integration with all associated disciplines in design processes. Consequently, all those involved (designers, implementers, managers and reviewers or evaluators) in the GUI design and development process benefit from style guide application.

DEVELOPING A FRAMEWORK FOR CREATING USER INTERFACE VBA MACROS

10.22250/jasu.6 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 37-41

Author(s):

ANNA SERGEEVNA GERMAN ◽

◽

ELENA MIKHAILOVNA VESELOVA ◽

Keyword(s):

User Interface ◽

User Interfaces ◽

Application Framework ◽

Development Environment

The article is devoted to the problem of creating graphical user interfaces in the VBA development environment. The main requirements for the development of user interfaces are formulated, taking into account the specifics of using interfaces in VBA programs. The prototype of an application framework for creating user interfaces is made, which should save developers time.