Graphical user interface

In computing, a graphical user interface (GUI, pronounced "jee-you-eye") or sometimes /ˈɡuːi/ ("gooey") is a type of interface that allows users to interact with electronic devices.

Description

GUIs use graphical icons and visual indicators such as secondary notation.

GUIs were introduced in reaction to the perceived steep learning curve of command-line interfaces (CLIs), which require commands to be typed on the keyboard.

The actions in a GUI are usually performed through direct manipulation of the graphical elements.

In addition to computers, GUIs can be found in hand-held devices such as MP3 players, portable media players, gaming devices and smaller household, office and industry equipment.

The term "GUI" tends not to be applied to other low-resolution types of interfaces with display resolutions, such as video games (where HUD is preferred), or not restricted to flat screens, like volumetric displays because the term is restricted to the scope of two-dimensional display screens able to describe generic information, in the tradition of the computer science research at the PARC (Palo Alto Research Center).

Non-GUI interfaces

Non-GUI interfaces to electronic devices include:

• Text-based
• Text-to-speech
• Text-to-speech navigation
• Typed command labels
• Text navigation

See also

• Design
• Desktop environment
• GTK+
• User (computing)
• User experience
• User interface

External links

• Graphical user interface @ Wikipedia
• Pencil Project - open course GUI prototyping tool