 |
| Graphical User Interfaces |
Graphical user interfaces (GUI) give digital products a human-friendly face. They help users get comfortable with the product and its features. They also serve as an essential communication tool for businesses, making their software more accessible to end users and simplifying support services. And since the world is moving towards digital everything, user interfaces are becoming increasingly common in almost every kind of application, from websites and mobile apps to interactive voice response systems and networked computer programs. If you are developing any software or website, this article will prove useful to you! We’ll be covering a variety of topics related to GUIs: What they are, their different types, examples of them in action, how they’re made, the pros and cons of using them, and much more.
What Is A Graphical User Interface?
A graphical user interface (GUI) is any computer interface that uses images and visual elements, as opposed to text-only ones. The way GUIs look depends on the technology used for their development (more on that later), but most likely, the interface will feature menus, buttons, tabs, dropdown lists, images, and other components that make it look more intuitive and “visual”. The term “graphical user interface” was coined in the 1970s and 1980s when computer-human interaction was first being studied, and it was an attempt to bridge the gap between the computer and its users. Earlier, computers were text-only, and users had to be very familiar with the computer language to understand what they were doing. With GUIs, visual elements were added to the mix – and accessibility to computers was greatly improved.
Graphical User Interface Types
There are many types of GUIs, but they can be roughly divided into two major categories: Native and Web-based user interfaces. Native user interfaces are built for a single platform (mobile app, website, etc.). A web-based GUI, on the other hand, is built for a broad range of platforms and devices, such as computers, tablets and mobile phones.
Native GUIs
Graphical user interfaces that are built for a single platform are called native GUIs. - Native user interfaces are designed to look exactly like the platform they are built for. - An example of a native GUI is an iOS app’s interface. - Native GUIs come with built-in features and functionalities that are optimized for the specific platform they’re built for. - For example, navigation through a native iOS app is done via the device’s “Home” button, while navigation through a native Android app is done via the “Back” button.
Web-based GUIs
Graphical user interfaces designed for broad range of platforms and devices are called web-based GUIs. - Web-based GUIs are built to look consistent on various devices. - For example, a web-based GUI for a website is usually the same for mobile phones, tablets, and desktop computers. - Web-based GUIs can be accessed through a web browser, so they don’t require installing any apps. - This makes them accessible from any device with an internet connection, so they are great for businesses that want to reach large audiences.
Examples of GUIs
GUIs are a very popular kind of digital user interface. - In fact, almost every digital product you currently use is based on a GUI. - Here are a few common examples of GUIs:
- A website’s homepage - The homepage is often the first thing a user sees when visiting a website.
- A mobile app’s main screen - The main screen is usually the first thing users see when opening a mobile app.
- An app’s navigation screen - Navigation is a very important part of any app.
- An app’s menu - The menu is found in almost every digital product.
How Are Graphical User Interfaces Made?
The process of creating a good GUI for a digital product is called user interface design. - In order to create a great user interface, designers must keep in mind the target audience, the product’s goal, and its features. - A good user interface has certain elements, each of which plays a crucial role in facilitating the product’s use. - These elements include navigation, buttons, tabs, sliders, drop-down lists, images, videos, and more. - The elements are usually arranged to reflect the product’s structure, but they also have to be visually appealing, so that they are easily understood. - There are many user interface design tools available, such as Sketch, Adobe XD, and Figma.
Pros of Using a GUI
- A good GUI is attractive and easy to navigate, which makes it appealing both to the product’s creators and its users.
- A GUI is useful for both technical and non-technical customers. It has features that appeal to both groups, which makes it more accessible.
- Strong visuals help explain a product’s features more clearly, which is especially useful for complex products.
- A GUI can be used to convey complex information in a simpler way.
- Good visuals can help to reduce the risk of misunderstandings.
- A GUI is an excellent communication tool for businesses, making their software more accessible to end users and simplifying support services.
- A GUI is able to clearly display a product’s features and benefits.
Cons of Using a GUI
- A GUI is intuitive only if it’s based on the user’s familiar experiences. If not, it can be very confusing.
- Unless it’s created with care, a GUI can actually alienate non-technical users.
- A GUI can be difficult to navigate if it’s poorly designed.
- A GUI can be time-consuming to build, but that’s only if it’s made right.
Final Words
A GUI is a great way to make a digital product more accessible to a large audience. - A good user interface design is crucial for an intuitive and engaging digital experience. - The more intuitive and engaging a product is, the more likely it is to be adopted and used by customers. - If your product has a GUI, make sure that it is as attractive and easy to navigate as possible! - The more attractive and easy to navigate it is, the more likely it is to be successful.