interaction style |
mainly used in |
main characteristics |
Batch |
batch processing, email servers |
does not require user intervention, works even when user and computer are in different time or place |
question- answer |
line oriented |
computer controls the user, so suited for casual use |
Command Language |
line-oriented |
easy to edit and reuse command history. a powerful language can support very complex operations |
Funcction Keys |
full-screen, wimp |
fast entry of a few standard commands, but limited flexibility |
form fill-in |
full-screen, wimp |
many fields can be seen and edited at once |
Menus |
WIMP |
frees the user from remembering options, at cost of potentially being slow or having confusing hierarchy |
Direct Manipulation |
wimp, virtual reality |
user in control. enables metaphors from real world. good for graphics |
non-command |
future systems, Virtual Reality |
the user is freed to concentrate on the domain and need not control the computer. computer monitors users and interprets their actions, so suited for cases where misinterpretations are unlikely or without serious consequences |
Natural Language |
future systems |
ideally, allows unconstrained input to handle frequently changing problems |