Keywords: graphical user interface, WIMP, application specific user interface
A graphical user interface (GUI) is a type of user interface, which allows people to interact with electronic devices like computers, hand-held devices (MP3 Players, Portable Media Players, Gaming devices), household appliances and office equipment. A GUI offers graphical icons, and visual indicators – opposed to text-based interfaces, typed command labels or text navigation – to fully represent the information and actions available to a user. The actions are usually performed through direct manipulation of the graphical elements.
This course touched on key aspects in a wide range of contexts, history, developments, applications and limiting factors that influence the design of GUI today. The course exposed students to key considerations and relevant developments.