ISLAMIC UNIVERSITY IN

UGANDA

DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE

COURSE: BIT 2
COURSE UNIT: HCI
TUTOR: MR KALINAKI KASSIM

QUESTION
Write notes on the 20 major interfaces that emerged for the past 40
years
Human computer interfaces refer to the evolving methods of interaction between humans and
computers aiming to make communication more easy and natural. The following are the 20
major Interfaces that have emerged over the past 40 years.

1. Command-line interface (CLI)

A text-based interface used to interact with a computer program.

Common in early computing and still used in many server environments.

Advantages: Powerful, flexible, and can be used in environments with limited resources.

Disadvantages: Can be difficult to learn and use for non-technical users.

2. Graphical user interface (GUI)

A visual interface that uses icons, windows, and menus to interact with a computer program.

The most common type of interface today.

Advantages: Easy to learn and use, even for non-technical users.

Disadvantages: Can be resource-intensive and may not be suitable for all tasks.

3. Multimedia interface
An interface that combines text, images, video, and audio to create a rich and engaging
experience.

Used in a variety of applications, including education, entertainment, and marketing.

Advantages: Can be very engaging and informative.

Disadvantages: Can be resource-intensive and may require specialized hardware or software.

4. Virtual reality (VR)

An immersive, three-dimensional environment created with computer technology.

Can be used for a variety of purposes, including gaming, training, and education.

Advantages: Highly immersive and can provide a realistic experience.

Disadvantages: Can be expensive and may cause motion sickness.

5. Web interface
An interface that allows users to interact with websites and web applications.

The most common type of interface on the internet.

Advantages: Accessible from anywhere in the world, easy to use, and can be updated without
requiring users to download new software.

Disadvantages: Can be slow to load and may not be suitable for all tasks.
6. Mobile interface
An interface designed for use on mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets.

Characterized by touch screens, small form factors, and limited input options.

Advantages: Portable and convenient, can be used on the go.

Disadvantages: Can be difficult to type on and may not be suitable for complex tasks.

7. Appliance interface
An interface designed for use on household appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines,
and ovens.

Often simple and intuitive, with focus on basic functionality.

Advantages: Easy to use for non-technical users, can be controlled remotely.

Disadvantages: Limited functionality compared to other types of interfaces.

8. Voice interface
An interface that allows users to interact with a computer program using their voice.

Can be used for a variety of tasks, including searching the web, controlling smart home devices,
and dictating text.

Advantages: Hands-free and convenient, can be used in environments where typing is difficult.

Disadvantages: Can be inaccurate and may not be able to understand complex commands.

9. Pen interface
An interface that allows users to interact with a computer program using a stylus.

Common in tablet computers and other mobile devices.

Advantages: Provides a natural and intuitive way to interact with digital content.

Disadvantages: Can be messy and may not be suitable for all tasks.

10. Touch interface

An interface that allows users to interact with a computer program using their fingers.

The most common type of interface on smartphones and tablets.

Advantages: Intuitive and easy to use, even for non-technical users.

Disadvantages: Can be prone to errors and may not be suitable for all tasks.
11. Gesture interface
An interface that allows users to interact with a computer program using their body movements.

Used in a variety of applications, including gaming, virtual reality, and robotics.

Advantages: Can be very immersive and natural.

Disadvantages: Can be difficult to learn and use, and may not be suitable for all tasks.

12. Haptic interface

An interface that provides tactile feedback to the user.

Can be used to create a more realistic and immersive experience.

Advantages: Can be very engaging and can help to improve user experience.

Disadvantages: Can be expensive and may not be suitable for all tasks.

13. Multimodal interface

An interface that combines multiple input and output modalities, such as voice, touch, and
gesture.

Provides a more natural and intuitive way to interact with computer programs.

Advantages: Can be very engaging and can be adapted to the needs of different users.

Disadvantages: Can be complex to develop and may not be suitable for all tasks.

14. Shareable interface

An interface that allows users to share information and collaborate with others.

Common in social media, messaging apps, and online collaboration tools.

Advantages: Facilitates communication and collaboration.

Disadvantages: Can be overwhelming and may lead to information overload.

15. Tangible interface

An interface that allows users to interact with physical objects in a virtual environment.

Used in a variety of applications, including gaming, education, and training.

Advantages: Can be very immersive and engaging.

Disadvantages: Can be expensive and may require specialized hardware.

16. Augmented reality (AR)

An interface that overlays digital information on the real world.

Used in a variety of applications, including gaming, navigation, and education.

Advantages: Can provide a more informative and engaging experience.

Disadvantages: Can be expensive and may require specialized hardware.

17. Wearable interface

An interface that is worn on the body, such as smartwatches, fitness trackers, and hearing aids.

Provides a convenient way to access information and interact with computer programs on the go.

Advantages: Portable and convenient, can be used for a variety of tasks.

Disadvantages: Can be limited in functionality and may not be suitable for all tasks.

18. Robots and drones

Interfaces that allow humans to interact with robots and drones.

Used in a variety of applications, including manufacturing, agriculture, and military.

Advantages: Can be used to perform tasks that are dangerous or difficult for humans.

Disadvantages: Can be expensive and may require specialized training.

19. Brain-computer interface (BCI)

An interface that allows humans to interact with computers using their brainwaves.

Still in the early stages of development, but has the potential to revolutionize how we interact
with technology.

Advantages: Could provide a more natural and intuitive way to interact with computers.

Disadvantages: Expensive and invasive, and still under development.

20. Smart interface

An interface that is able to learn and adapt to the needs of the user.

Used in a variety of applications, including virtual assistants, chatbots, and customer service
systems.

Advantages: Can be more personalized and efficient than traditional interfaces.

Disadvantages: Can be complex to develop and may require many data to train.
References

 Cooper, A., Reimann, R., & Cronin, D. (2014). About Face: The Essentials of Interaction
Design. Wiley.
 Norman, D. A. (2013). The Design of Everyday Things: Revised and Extended Edition. Basic
Books.
 Hartson, H. R., & Pyla, L. L. (2012). The UX Book: Process and Guidelines for Designing
User Experience. Morgan Kaufmann.