Designing the Graphical User Interface › How to Learn About GUI

How to Learn About GUI

Note: You can skip this section if you regularly use sophisticated workstation tools that include graphical user interfaces.

If you are unfamiliar with the operation of a typical GUI, you should first become familiar with techniques for building an effective GUI. An effectively designed GUI provides visual cues so the user can quickly complete the correct tasks.

Do the following tasks to get started with GUIs:

• Acquire a workstation and some reasonable, commercially available workstation software. Spreadsheets and word processors running under Windows, Motif, or an alternative graphical environment will work well.
• Purchase one or more style guides. There are style manuals available that give guidance on creating user interfaces for all major environments, including the windows interface and Motif.
• Spend some time familiarizing yourself with the various elements of applications such as tool bars, menus, dialog boxes, and so on.
• Critique applications. Note the various areas that appear inconsistent. Identify the parts that are the easiest to use. It is even more effective to critique with a group.

This approach will help you to get a firm grip on both the grand scheme and the subtleties of how GUIs operate and what users expect to see.