What is a GUI?
A graphical user interface (GUI) is an interface to a system that uses more than just text on the screen. It can use pointers (such as light pens, mice, trackball, or touch screens) voice and audio commands, and various other tools. [1]
Accessibility – Often overlooked
One important issue with a graphical user interface (GUI) is Accessibility. [3] Microsoft has done a pretty good job of allowing people with disabilities to use the Windows operating system. Many of these features can then be implemented by the programmer, to ensure their GUI is usable by the blind, deaf or otherwise physically impaired. Working for the State of Maine, I have worked on several projects and coordinated some the ADA (Americans with Disability Act) efforts to ensure that ALL our users can use the application effectively.
Something that most developers do not realize is that many of the “cool controls” you can use for your GUI are extremely difficult for someone with an impairment to use. Radio buttons are very awkward for the vision-impaired person who might use a screen reader program. It is better to use a drop down box with the options listed, then to use radio buttons.
Be Consistent!
Another important area of GUI development is consistency of style. You don’t have to mimic the same style as your coworker’s app… if you’re working on a completely different application that will not be used in conjunction with their application. But if you’re working on the same application or a tool that will be used with that application, then be consistent in the style. The more consistent the interface is among applications, the less learning curve the end user has to overcome.
Does it make sense?
This also applies to the intuitiveness of a GUI (well, of any user interface, graphical or not). If a UI is intuitive, and “makes sense” to the user, they will feel comfortable with the application and are more willing to put up with minor missing functionality, than if the UI doesn’t make any sense at all to them. [2]