user_interfaces

**__ User Interface __**
The User Interface is the point at which a user interacts with an information system, such as this blog. Hardware or physical elements of an interface can include things like: -The screen -Keyboard or keypad -A mouse -Touch screen -Microphone -Web cam Software elements include the operating system such as: - Windows or Mac OS (For Example, Windows 7) - The application software.

__** High-Quality User Interface **__
High-Quality user interfaces are 'transparent'. This means that the user does not really notice the interface itself - it is so easy to use that the user interacts with it intuitvety. A High-Quality user interface is one that has been carefully designed, to take into account the visual principles of //proportion//, //orientation//, //clarity// and //consistency//, //colour// and //contrast//, //useability// and //accessibility// and //appropriateness// and //relevance//. All these aspects are inportant to user interfaces and are what make a on-screen user interface effective. __**Aspects of User Interfaces**__


 * Proportion** refers to the visual hierarchy of a page on the screen, so that the most important pieces of information have visual prominence (high notice ability) on the page, with less vital information taking a less prominent position in the visual hierarchy. This refers to information such as headings, logo's, links.


 * Orintation** refers to direction and aspect of an on-screen page. in designing the layout, the interface designer will orient objects on the screen and decide the direction that each screenelement will face. Typical considerations for orientation of screen elements could be the direction the logo is to face, or if text should be top, left, right, bottom of the screen and how it should be aligned.


 * Clarity and Consistency:** Clarity refers to how clearly the information on a screen is presented, and how well a user can distinguish between visual elements on the screen. Consistancy refers to the use of similar, repeated or predictable features on a screen, so that the user can navigate the information without unnesscessary con fusion or error.


 * Colour and Contrast:** Colours selected for an on-screen product should make the information clear, readable and attractive. the colours should enhace the important features and ensure ease of navigation. Contrast in an on-screen product refers to the visual difference in colour or tone between items on the screen. Greater contrast will make items appear to stand out more from each other.


 * Useability and Accessability:** Useability refers to the ease of which the required information is quickly found and the user is able to focus on the information they were looking for rather then the way they found it. Accessability refers to how a user should be able to find what they want on the screen immediately and interact with it in a straightforward way, without a mjor interruption to the flow of what they are doing.


 * Appropriateness and Relevance:** An on-screen product must meet the needs of the intended audience with appropriate information that is relevant to its purpose.