User interface facts for kids
A user interface is like a special control panel that lets you talk to a machine. Think of it as the way you tell a computer or a device what to do, and how it shows you what's happening.
User interfaces mainly do two important things:
- Input: This is how you give information or commands to the machine. For example, when you type on a keyboard, click a mouse, or tap a screen, you are giving input. You can change how the machine works or give it new information.
- Output: After you give input, the machine does something and then shows you the result. This is the output. For example, when text appears on your screen, a sound plays, or a light turns on, that's the machine giving you output.
Contents
Why User Interfaces Need to Be Easy to Use
Some machines can be quite powerful and even a bit dangerous if not used correctly. That's why it's super important for their user interfaces to be easy to understand and use, especially in an emergency. The goal is for anyone to be able to operate the machine safely, even if they are feeling stressed or panicked.
A good user interface should be:
- Intuitive: This means you can figure out how to use it without needing a lot of instructions. It just makes sense!
- Simple: It shouldn't have too many complicated buttons or options.
The Importance of a Kill Switch
A great example of a simple and intuitive user interface is a kill switch. This is a special button designed to shut off a machine immediately and completely. The main reason for a kill switch is to prevent injury or harm to people. It's different from just turning a machine off at the end of the day. A kill switch is for emergencies only.
According to safety rules (like EN ISO 13850), a kill switch must always be red and placed on a yellow background. This color combination makes it easy to spot quickly in an emergency.
Understanding Colors in User Interfaces
Just like traffic signals use colors to tell drivers what to do, user interfaces often use specific colors to show different states or actions. This helps people understand what's happening at a glance.
Colors for Displaying Information
Here's what different colors usually mean when they are used to show you information on a screen or a light:
| Color | Meaning | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red | Danger | This color warns you about possible danger or situations where you need to act right away. | |
| Yellow | Something is not normal | If nothing changes, the situation might become dangerous. | |
| Blue | Something needs to be done | The person using the machine needs to take an action. | |
| Green | Everything is normal | This shows safe conditions and is also used to start new processes. | |
| White | Neutral | Used for confirmation or for things that don't fit red, yellow, blue, or green. | |
Colors for Control Buttons
When it comes to buttons or controls you press, colors also have specific meanings:
| Color | Meaning | What it does | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red | Operate in an emergency | Used for kill switches, stopping machines, and fire safety. | Should not be used for starting a machine. | |
| Yellow | Something needs to be done to get back to normal | Used for restarting or actions to prevent problems. | Should not be used for starting or stopping a machine. | |
| Blue | Start something new | Used for starting a process or resetting. | ||
| Green | Start the usual process | Used for starting from a safe state. | Should not be used for stopping a machine. | |
| White | Meaning can vary | Start/On (often preferred), Stop/Off | ||
| Grey | Start/On, Stop/Off | |||
| Black | Stop/Off (often preferred), sometimes Start/On | |||
Using Symbols in User Interfaces
Besides colors, symbols are also very important in user interfaces. They can be even better than colors in some cases, especially for people who are color blind and might not see colors correctly.
Here are some common symbols you might see:
| Symbol | What it does |
|---|---|
 |
Start |
 |
Stop |
These symbols need to be explained, just like warning signs, so everyone knows what they mean.
Images for kids
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A graphical user interface following the desktop metaphor
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IBM 029
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Holes are punched in the card according to a prearranged code transferring the facts from the census questionnaire into statistics
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Teletype Model 33 ASR
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The VT100, introduced in 1978, was a very popular VDT. Most terminal emulators still default to VT100 mode.
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AMX Desk made a basic WIMP GUI
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User Experience Design Honeycomb designed by Peter Morville
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Touchscreen of the HP Series 100 HP-150
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The Reactable, an example of a tangible user interface
See also
In Spanish: Interfaz de usuario para niños
