Graphical User Interfaces

Abstract

A graphical user interface (GUI) is the visible part of a system that you see, hear, and feel. All interaction between user and system is based on the GUI, which hides other parts and their functions. Interaction takes place in different forms, such as menu selection, form fill-ins, or direct manipulation. From their beginning in the early 1960s, the ideas behind GUIs have not changed significantly. Still, we use the desktop metaphor or WIMP approach developed around 1970 for standard workstations. Progress mainly focuses on technology and graphical representations, which translates to improved efficiency of GUIs. After briefly listing the most important events in GUI history, this article gives an introduction to basic concepts behind GUIs, which include metaphors, conceptual models, interaction styles, and main elements. Furthermore, it describes GUIs as they are used in current computer systems, and it covers design issues and implementation aspects. Design is discussed from a usability point of view including rules, style guides, and international norms. This part is completed by approaches to usability testing. The implementation part briefly outlines common programming practices for GUIs and lists ready-to-use frameworks for GUI implementation. The article closes with highlighting some advanced GUI approaches for nonstandard tasks and environments.