Understanding Application Software
Application software is essential for transforming raw data into meaningful information. It enables users to:
- Increase productivity: Automate tasks and streamline workflows.
- Enhance creativity: Provide tools for design and innovation.
- Facilitate communication: Connect people and share information globally.
Application software operates on top of system software, relying on the operating system to manage hardware resources and provide a user interface.
Over the years, application features have evolved significantly, driven by advancements in technology and user expectations.
There are two main application interface types: graphical user interfaces (GUI) and command line interfaces (CLI).
Graphical user interface (GUI)
Visual interfaces that allow users to interact with applications through graphical elements such as windows, icons, menus, and pointers (WIMP).
Think of a GUI as the dashboard of a car. Just as a dashboard provides controls and information for driving, a GUI offers tools and feedback for interacting with software.
Command line interace (CLI)
A text-based interface is used to interact with a computer. Users type commands to perform tasks instead of using a graphical interface with buttons and icons.
Here are examples with a CLI-based browser, cURL, and a GUI-based Safari.
More About GUIs
Why is the GUI Useful?
- Intuitiveness: Visual elements make applications more accessible to users with varying levels of technical expertise.
- Consistency: Standardised GUI elements create a familiar experience across different applications and operating systems.
- Direct Manipulation: Users can interact with elements directly (e.g., dragging and dropping files), enhancing engagement and efficiency.
Key GUI Elements
Some of the most common GUI elements include:
- Windows: Containers for application content, allowing users to view and interact with multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Icons: Visual representations of files, applications, or actions, providing intuitive access to features.
- Pointers: Used to navigate and interact with GUI elements, typically controlled by a mouse or touchpad.
GUIs are often described using the acronym WIMP:
- Windows
- Icons
- Menus
- Pointers
More GUI elements include:
Toolbars
Toolbars are graphical user interface (GUI) elements that provide quick access to frequently used commands and features.
They are typically located at the top of an application window and contain icons or buttons representing specific actions.
ExampleIn a word processor, a toolbar might include buttons for bold, italic, underline, and text alignment.
Benefits of toolbars
- Efficiency: Toolbars reduce the need to navigate through menus, allowing users to perform actions with a single click.
- Consistency: Standardised icons (e.g., a floppy disk for "Save") help users quickly identify functions across different applications.
- Customisation: Many applications allow users to customise toolbars, adding or removing buttons to suit their workflow.
When designing a toolbar, prioritize the most frequently used functions to minimize clutter and enhance usability.
Menus
Menus are GUI elements that display a list of commands or options.
They are typically organised into categories, making it easy for users to find specific functions.
There are different types of menus you might find useful:
- Drop-down Menus: Appear when a user clicks on a menu title (e.g., "File," "Edit").
- Context Menus: Accessed by right-clicking, providing options relevant to the selected item.
- Submenus: Nested menus that offer additional options within a main menu.
A Filemenu might include options like New, Open, Save, and Print.
Benefits of Menus:
- Organisation: Menus group related commands, making it easier for users to navigate complex applications.
- Scalability: Submenus allow applications to offer a wide range of features without overwhelming the user.
- Accessibility: Keyboard shortcuts are often displayed alongside menu items, enhancing accessibility for power users.
- While menus provide a structured way to access commands, they can become cumbersome if overly nested.
- Strive for a balance between depth and simplicity.
Dialogue Boxes
Dialogue boxes are pop-up windows that prompt users to enter information, make decisions, or receive notifications.
They are essential for interactions that require user input or confirmation.
Types of Dialogue Boxes:
- Modal: Require the user to interact with the dialogue box before returning to the main application.
- Modeless: Allow users to continue interacting with the application while the dialogue box remains open.
A Save As dialogue box prompts users to choose a file name and location before saving a document.
Benefits of Dialogue Boxes:
- Clarity: Dialogue boxes provide clear instructions and options, reducing the likelihood of user errors.
- Focus: Modal dialogue boxes ensure that critical actions (e.g., confirming a delete operation) receive the user's full attention.
- Feedback: Dialogue boxes can display error messages or confirmations, keeping users informed about the application's status.
- Avoid overusing modal dialogue boxes, as they can disrupt the user's workflow.
- Use them only when necessary for critical interactions.
The Role of Operating Systems in GUI Design
Operating systems provide standardised GUI components, such as toolbars, menus, and dialogue boxes, allowing developers to focus on application-specific features.
Example- When a developer creates a menu in an application, the operating system handles the rendering and behaviour of the menu, ensuring consistency across all applications.
- For instance, the main menu (with File, Edit, etc. options) in MS Word on macOS provides the main menu above the application window.
Why is Standardisation Advantageous?
