Syllabus:-

Step 5 Select the Proper Kinds of Windows

Window Characteristics
The Attraction of Windows
Constraints in Window System Design
Components of a Window
Frame
Title Bar
Title Bar Icon
Window Sizing Buttons
What’s This? Button
Menu Bar
Status Bar
Scroll Bars
Split Box
Toolbar
Command Area
Size Group
Work Area
Window Presentation Styles
Tiled Windows
Overlapping Windows
Cascading Windows
Picking a Presentation Style
Types of Windows
Primary Window
Secondary Windows
Dialog Boxes
Property Sheets and Property Inspectors
Message Boxes
Palette Windows
Pop-up Windows
Window Management
Single-Document Interface
Multiple-Document Interface
Workbooks
Projects
Organizing Window Functions
Window Organization
Number of Windows
Window Operations
Active Window
General Guidelines
Opening a Window
Sizing Windows
Window Placement
Window Separation
Moving a Window
Resizing a Window
Other Operations
Window Shuffling
Keyboard Control/Mouseless Operation
Closing a Window
Web Systems
Frames
 Pop-Up Window
Step 6 Select the Proper Device-Based Controls
Characteristics of Device-Based Controls
Trackball
Joystick
Graphic Tablet
Touch Screen
Light Pen
Voice
Mouse
Keyboard

Step 5: Select the Proper Kinds of Windows

A window is an area of the screen, rectangular in shape defined by border containing view of
some area of the computer/some portion of a person’s dialog with the computer. It can be
moved and rendered independently on the screen. Window may be small with short
message/a single field/large consuming most of the space. Display may contain 1,2, or more
windows within its boundaries.

Window Characteristics
Window possess characteristics like
● Name/Title allowing it to be identified.

● A size in height and width.

● A state, accessible/active/not accessible.

● Visibility-the portion that can be seen. (window may be partially/fully hidden behind
another window/data may extend beyond display area)
● A location, relative to the display boundary.

● Presentation, that is arrangement in relation to other windows, may be

tiled/overlapping/cascading.
● Management capabilities, methods for manipulation of the window on the screen.

● Its highlight, part that is selected.

● The function, task, or application to which it is dedicated.

The Attraction of Windows
Value of windowing is best seen in the context of a task/job. Person is asked to do lot of work with
the information starting from getting information to reorganizing information, which are not
completed in time frame. It is affected by outside events like telephone calls, supervising, etc. Tasks
start, stop and start again. Spatial mapping of tools helps people organize their work and provides
remainders of uncompleted tasks. With progress in work and change in priorities materials are
reorganized. Single-screen technology supports this work structure very poorly. Since we are using
one screen person is forced to view documents multiple times and remember many things. Switching
between tasks is difficult and disruptive.
Windowing allows display workspace to mirror the desk workspace much more closely, reducing
one’s short-term memory load. Windows act as an external memories. Windows also make it much
easier to switch between tasks and to maintain one’s context. Window also provide access to more
information that would be available on a single display of the same size. Windows are useful in
fallowing ways mentioned below
● Presentation of different levels of information.
Information can be examined in increasing levels of detail. Document table of contents can be
represented in a window. Chapter/topic selected can displayed in more detail in adjacent
window. Deeper levels can also be reached.
● Presentation of multiple kinds of information.
Variable information needed to complete task can be displayed simultaneously in adjacent
windows. Example is order-processing system which uses different windows to display
complete information, with significant window at front for corrections.
● Sequential Presentation of Levels/kinds of information
Steps to complete a task can be sequentially presented through windows. Successive windows
are presented until all details are collected. Key windows remain displayed. It is useful if the
information-collection process leads down various paths. Example is insurance application.
● Access to different sources of information
Independent sources of information may have to be accessed at the same time, resided in
different host computers os, applications files or areas of the same file. Example is travel
agent comparing travel destinations.
● Combining multiple sources of information.
Text from several documents may have to be reviewed and combined into one. Pertinent
information is selected from one window and copied to another
● Performing More than one task
No time wasted for task completion. Higher priority task interrupts lower priority tasks which
can be resumed.
● Reminding
Windows can be used to remind the viewer of things to be of use in the near future. Example
is menu choices available,
● Monitoring
Internal and external changes can be monitored. Data in one window can be modified and its
effect on other window can be studied. External events like system messages can be watched
with carrying out major activities.
● Multiple representations of the same task.
Same thing can be looked at a several ways like alternate drafts for speech, different versions
of a screen or different graphical representations of the same data.
Constraints in Window System Design
Windowing systems are said chaotic because of the great amount of time user doing things like
pointing tiny boxes in window borders, resizing window, moving windows, etc, Problems with
windowing systems can be attributed in 3 factors: historical considerations, hardware limitations ad
human limitations.
Historical Considerations.
Historically system developers are interested in solving h/w problems, due to more technical issues.
These design issues and impact on the windows usability has less research interest, having only few
guidelines to guide designers. Lack of guidelines make difficult to create agreeable window standards.
Style guides developed by companies are related to their product. Standardization is made difficult by
complexity and range of alternatives available to the designer. These standards are also threat to
creative designers. Solution is to encounter a new windowing system for variations in systems.
Hardware limitations
Many of the present screens are not large enough to take full benefit of windowing capabilities. Hence
many windows are in Post-It dimensions. Either seeing all the contents of one window is preferable to
seeing small parts of many windows/the operational and visual complexity of multiple windows is not
wanted. Slower processing speeds and smaller memory sizes inhibit use of windows. Drain on the
computer’s resources limit feedback, hence reducing system usability. Poor screen resolution and
graphics capability defer effective use of windows.
Human limitations
Complex windowing system requires more learning and use of more operations. The window
management operations are placed on top of other system operations and window management
become an end itself. Comparing full screens with screens containing overlapping windows, task
completion times were longer than usual, with errors in non-window screens. After eliminating screen
arrangement task solution times were shorter with windows. Advantages of window are negated by
excessive window manipulation requirements, which should occur implicitly for effectiveness.
Other Limitations
These are necessity for window border to consume valuable screen space and small window may be
needed to scroll.
Where To?
We have to cope with constraints for now to get better of windows benefits.

Components of a Window
Window may be composed of many elements, appearing on all windows/certain kind of
windows/certain conditions. For consistency these elements must always be located in the same
position within a window. Inconsistencies may occur in naming provided in different systems.
Description of a typical window components and their purposes with emphasis on most popular
windowing system Microsoft Windows. Specifically reviewed will be primary windows, secondary
windows and dialog box.

Figure shows a secondary window.

Frame
A window will have a frame/border, rectangular in shape, to define its boundaries and distinguish it
from other windows. Border need not to be rectangle but preferred. Textual materials read from L to
R, fit within these structure. Border comprises of a line of variable thickness and color. Window
filling an entire screen may use the screen edge as the border. If a window is resizable, it may contain
control points for sizing it. If windows cannot be resized, border coincide with an edge of the window.
Title Bar
It is the top edge of the window, inside its border and extending its entire width. It is also called as
caption, caption bar or title area. It contains a descriptive title identifying the purpose of the window.
In Microsoft windows the title bar may also possess control buttons at the extreme left and right ends
for retrieving the system menu and performing window resizing. It serves as central point for moving
the window and as an access point for commands applied to window. Example is pop-up or shortcut
menu. Title bars are included on all primary and secondary windows. Never place application
commands/other controls in the title bar.
Title Bar Icon
Located at the left corner of the title bar in a primary window, button used to retrieve a pull-down
menu of commands applied to the object in the window. It is 16*16 version of the icon of the object
being viewed. When clicked with the secondary mouse button, commands applying to the object are
presented. Microsoft suggests that
● If the window contains a tool/utility, a small version of the application’s icon should be
placed there instead.
● If the application creates, loads, and saves documents/data files and the window represents the
view of one of its files, a small version of the icon represents its document/data file type
should be placed there.
● Even if the user has not yet saved the file, display the data file icon rather than the application
icon and again display the data file icon after the user saves the file.
Window Sizing Buttons
Located at the right corner of the title bar, buttons are used to manipulate the size of a window. Left
most button, minimize button used with a short horizontal line toward the bottom of the button is used
to reduce a window to its minimum size, hiding associated windows. The maximize button inscribed
with a large box enlarges a window to its maximum size, which is replaced by restore button for its
maximum size. Restore button which is inscribed with a pair overlapping boxes returns the window
to the size it had previously. Close button is inscribed with an X closes the window. Sizing buttons
are included on primary windows only. All buttons on a primary window’s title bar must have
equivalent commands on the pop-up/short cut menu. When these buttons are displayed, the guidelines
fallowed are
● When a window doses not support a command, do not display its command button.

● The close button always appears as the rightmost button. Leave a gap between it and any
other buttons.
● The minimize button always precedes he Maximize button.

● The restore button always replaces the maximize button/the minimize button when carried
out.
What’s This? Button
This button appears on secondary windows and dialog boxes is used to invoke the What’s this?
Windows command to provide contextual Help about objects displayed within the secondary window,
when provided. It is located in the upper-right corner of the title bar just to the left of te close button.
It is inscribed with a question mark
On a primary window this command is accessed from the Help drop-down menu. This command may
also be included as a button on a toolbar/as a command on a pop-up menu for a specific object.
Menu Bar
It is used to organize and provide access to actions, located horizontally at the top of the window, just
below the title bar. Menu bar contains a list of topics/items when selected are displayed on a pull
down menu beneath the choice. System will provide a default set of menu actions that can be
augmented by an application. Some platforms have called the menu bar as action bar. Contents and its
pull-downs are determined by the application’s functionality and the context where it is used.
Status Bar
Information of use to the user can be displayed in a designated screen area/areas. They may be located
at the top of the screen in some platforms and called a status area/at the screens bottom. Microsoft
recommends the bottom and refers to this area as the status bar. It is also referred as message
area/message bar. Microsoft suggests using the status bar to display information about the current
state of what is being viewed in the window with description. It may also be used to explain menu and
control bar items as highlighted by user.
Scroll Bars
User can access additional information by scrolling the contents through the scroll bar. A scroll bar is
an elongated rectangular container consisting of scroll area/shaft, a slider box/elevator and
arrows/anchors at each end. For vertical scrolling, scroll bar is positioned at the far right side of the
work area, extending its entire length. Horizontal scrolling is accomplished through a scroll bar
located at the bottom of the work area.
Split Box
A window can be split into 2/more pieces/panes by manipulating a split box located vertically above a
vertical bar/to the left of the horizontal scroll bar. A window can be split into 2/more separate viewing
areas called as panes. Splitting a window permits multiple views of an object. Split box must be just
large enough for the user to successfully target it with the pointer. Split window allow the user to
● Examine 2 parts of a document at the same time.

● Display different,, simultaneous views of the same information.

Toolbar

Toolbars are permanently displayed panels/arrays of choices/commands that must be accessed

quickly. They are sometimes called command bars. Toolbars are designed to provide access to
specific commands/actions. Specialized toolbar are referred as ribbons, toolboxes, rulers or palettes.
Each toolbar includes a single grip handle to enable the user to resize/rearrange the toolbars. When the
user moves the pointer or the grip, it changes to a 2 headed arrow. When the user drags the grip,
pointer changes to split move pointer.
Command Area
Conditions where it is useful for a command to be typed on screen, a command area can be provided,
preferred at the bottom of the window. If a horizontal scroll bar is included in the window, position
command area just below it. If the message area is included on the screen, locate the command area
just above it.
Size Grip
It is a Microsoft windows special included in a window to permit it to be resized. When the grip is
dragged the window resizes. 3 angled parallel lines in the lower right corner of a window designate
the size grip. If the window has a status bar, grip is positioned at the bar’s right end else it is located at
the bottom of the vertical scroll bar/right side of a horizontal scroll bar/junction point of the 2 bars.
Work Area
Work area is the portion of the screen where the user performs task. It is the open area inside the
window’s border and contain screen components like menu bar, scroll bars or message bars, it may
consist of an open area for typing/contain controls /customized forms. Work area is also called client
area.

Window Presentation Styles

It refers to its spatial relationship to other windows. 2 basic styles are tiled/overlapping. In early
windowing one of two used.
Tiled Windows

Tiled windows derive their name from common floor/wall tile. Tiled windows appear in one plane on
the screen and expand/contract to fill up the display surface. Most systems provide 2d windows
adjustable in both height and width. Some less powerful systems are 1d. it is first and oldest kind of
window.
Advantages
● The system usually allocates and positions windows for the user, eliminating need to make
positioning decisions.
● Open windows are always visible, so not forgotten from memory.

● Every windows is completely visible, so data is not hidden.

● These are less complex than overlapping windows due to less management operations.

● They are easier to learn for novice users.

● They yeild better user performance when there is little manipulation for task completion.
Disadvntages
● Limited display on the screen.

● Windows opening/closing/change in size can be annoying.

● As windows change in size/position, movement can be disconcerting.

● With increase in number of displayed windows, they become tiny.

● Changes in sizes and location by system are difficult to predict.

● Windows configuration may not meet user’s requirements.

● They are crowded and visually complex since window border are flush against each other
and fill up entire screen.
● They permit less user contral as system actively manages the windows.
Overlapping windows

It may be placed on top of another like papers on disk. They possess a 3d quality, appearing on
different planes. User can control the location of these windows and plane where they appear. Sizes
of the windows may be changed. Most systems now use this style of window
Advantages
● Their 3d look resembles desktop familiar to user.

● Greater useir control means better organization to meet needs.

● Windows can maintain larger sizes, consistent changes, consistent positions.

● No issue with screen space.

● Less pressure to close/delete windows not needed.

● It is less visullay crowded and less complex since larger borders are maintained around
window informartion.
● They yeild better user performance when more manipulation is required for task
completion.
Disadvantages
● They are much more complex then tiled windows with more control functions requiring
more attention and manipulation.
 ● Information obscuured behind other windows.

● Windows seem lost is group.

● 3d space is not realized by user.

● Contrl freedom increases visual complexity and crowding wth too many windows/improper
offsetting.
Cascading Windows

A special type of overlapping window has the windows automatically arranged in a regular
progression. Each window is slightly offset from the others.
Advantages
● No window is ever completely hidden.

● Bringing any window to the front is easier.

● It provides simplicity in visaul presention and cleanness.

Picking a presentation styleb
● Tiled windows—these are better for single-task activities and data seen simultaneously.
Suitable for tasks with little manipulation. Novice users performed better with tiled
windows.
● Overlapping windows—it is suitable for situations where switching between tasks is
required. Suitable for tasks with more manipulation, with user expertise. Novice users was
comfort with task completion. Advantages comes with expert use.. it is preferred
presentation scheme.

Types of Windows
Peoples tasks must be strutured into a series of windows. Type of windows used will depend on the
nature and flow of the task. Defining window type is difficult across platforms because of varying
terminolgy and definitons used by different windoiws system and changes in terminology for new
version.
Primary window
It is the first one that appears on a screen when an activity/action is started. It is required for every
function/application like preocessi ng a menu bar, some basic action controls, etc. it presents the
framework for the function’s commands and data and provide top-level context for depepndent
windows. It is also referred as application window/main window/parent window.
Primary window is the main focal point of the user’s activities and should represent an independent
fuction. Avoid divinding the independent function into 2/more primary windows and do not present
unrelated functions in a single primary window. Independent functions must begin in a primary
window, which contins constantly used components like menu br items and controls used by
dependent windows. All updates must be available. Components of primary window are
P are yd indepe

Secondary Windows
These are supplemented windows which are dependent upon a primary window/displayed
independtly of the primary window. It is similar to structure of primary windows, possessing some of
the action controls and What’s this button. It is one common type whch must be displayed from a
command on the interfaceof its primary window. It is associated with single data object and appears
on top of top of active window when requested. It is movable and scrollable. Most systems permit
the use of secondary windows to complete task. Dependent secondary windows are closed when
primary window is closed and hidden also. An independent secondary window can be opened
independtly of a primary window, which can be closed without regard of primary window.
Proper usage—secondary windows differ from primary windows in behaviour and use. Secondary
windows are used to perform supplemented/subordinate tasks/tasks extended in nature. Frequently
used windows components should also be presented in secondary windows. Windows possesses
several types of secondary windows called dailog boxes, property sheets,property inspectors,
messge boxes, palette windows and pop-up windows.
Guidelines—it should not appear as an entry on the taskbar. It obtain/display supplemental
information related to objects appearing in primary windows.
Secondary window is ttpically smaller than its associted primary window and smaller than the
minimum display resolution. Microsoft recommends not displaying any secondary window larger
than 263 dailog units * 263 dailog units. Microsoft defines size and location of UI elements in dailog
units (DLUs), a device-independent uni of measure
● 1 horizontal DLU=1/4th of the average character width for the current system font.

● 1 vertical DLU=1/8th of the average character height for the current system font.
These sizes keep the window from becoming too large to display at most resolutions. They provide
space to display supportive information like Help.
Modal and Modeless
A secondary window can be modal/modeless
● Model—most secondary windows will be modal. Modal window will not permit interaction
with other window until the current dailog is completed. In remains displayed until the
approriate action is taken, then removed from screen. It request critical information/actions
that must be reacted before the dailog box can continue. These limit there use to situations
where additional information is required to complete a command. These are used for
presenting information like messages, receiving user input and asking questions.
● Modeless—it permits the user to engage in parallel dailogs switching between the box and
its associated window. Other tasks may be performed while a modeless dailog box ois
displayed and may be left on the screen after getting response. Actions leading to a
modeless dailog box can be cancelled, hence removing box from the screen. Their use must
be permitted when interacting with primary window/secondary window. Use this when
interaction with other windows must be repeated.
Cascading and unfolding
Access to additional options can be accomplished by the inclusion of a command button that opens
another secondary window. These multiple secondary windows needed to complete a task may be
presented in 2 forms, cascading/expanding.
Cascading-cascading window keeps the original window displayed with the dependent window
displayed on top, offset slightly to the right and below the original secondary window.
Cascade is generally used when advanced options at lower level in a complex dialog must be
presented. Indication of dialog will be casacding will is signalled bt ellipses placed in the command
button used to display the additional dialopg box. To avoid confusion restrict the number of cascade
to no more than 2. Do not cover information on the upper-level dialog boxes. If the cascaded
window is independent in its operation, close the secondary window from which it was opened and
display only the new window.
Unfolding—unfolding secondary windows expands to reveal additional options, a form of
progressive disclosure. Unfolding/expanding windows are used to provide advanced options at the
same level in a complex dialog. They are good alternatives when the interface contains a fixed set of
options/controls that seldom need to be accessed.
An indication that the dialog will be expanding is signalled by a double arrow >> placed in the
command button used to display the additional dilaog box. Expand the box to the right/download if
screen space constraints exist.
Dialog Boxes
These arre used to extend and complete an interaction within a limited context. Dialog boxes are
always displayed from another window, which may appear as a result of a command button being
activated/menu choice being selected. They may be presented automatically by the system when a
conditions exist requiring attention/additional input. They may have some basic action controls but
no menu bar. Are OK and
Most windowing systems provide standard dialog boxes like open, save as and print, with optional
OK, Cancel, etc. dialog boxes may be modal, modeless, cascade/unfold. Dialog boxes present brief
information/request to specific transit actrions which occur rarely. The command buttons included
are OK and Cancel used to set parameters for a particular command.
Property Sheets and Property Inspectors
Properties of an object of an interface can be displayed in many ways like image and name of an icon
on the desktop reflect specific properties of that object like toolbars,status bars and scroll bars.
Secndary window provide 2 other techniques for displaying properties which are property sheets
and property inspectors.
Property Sheets
It is the most common way to present an object’s complete set of properties in a secondary window.
It is a modeless secondary window which displays the user-accessible properties of an object which
can be viewed not necessarily updated.

Since they are many properties for an object and the objects contex, categorization and grouping of
properties within the sets is required, and a technique for supporting navigation to groups and
properties in a property sheet is tabbed property page where each set of properties in a property
window as a separate page. Each page tab is labelled with the name of the set as shown below. Sizes
are shown in figure below. These will create a window samller than its associated window and
smaller than minimum display resolution. Comman command buttons used for handling the
application of property changes are OK, Cancel and Apply. Reset button can be included but do not
include Help Command button. Command buttons in tabbed property pages must be located outside
of the tabbed page but still within the window. Button in page are applied for actions on that page
only, whereas in outiside page actions are applied on all pages, which is desired positioning. For page
by page basis commands and must be in same page. We can use prompt with message box asking
for save or not the changes made,

Property inspectors
Display only most common/frquently accessed properties in a property inspector. Properties of an
object are displayed using a dynamic viewer/browser reflecting properties of current selectiion.even
when the property sheet windows is modeless, the window is typically modal w.r.t the object for
propeties being displayed. It always reflect the current selection.
A palete window/toolbar is used to create a property inspector. For better result we can use a
palette window where user can also configure. Another control in a property innspector can be used
to enable the user to display the properties of various objects in the primary window, through drop-
down list box.

Both property inspectors and property sheets are not exlusive, can be included in intoerface.
Frequently accessed properties are diaplayed in inspectors and complete set in sheets. Multiple
inspectors can also be included, optimized for each objects. Interface behaviuor can also be changed
between sheet and inspector.
Message Boxes

It is a secondary window displaying a message about particular situation/condition.

Command buttons—message boxes contain only command buttons with the apprropriate
responses/choices offered to the user. These allow message box interaction to be simple and
efficient. According to misrosoft
● If a message requires no choice to be made but only acknowledgement, use OK button and
optionally Help button.
● If a message requires the user to make a choice, use command button for every choice.

● Use OK and Cancel buttons only when the user has the option of continuing/stopping the
action.
● For ambigious choices label the command buttons with the names so specific actions like
save.
Command buttons to correct the action that caused the message bix to be displayed can also be
included in a message box.
Stop—if cancel is used as a commmad button in a message box, it implies that state of the
process/task that started the message is being restored. With cancel to restore the process state inb
worst case use stop.
Help—it is used for messages needing more detail.
Close box—enable title bar close bar only if the message includes a cancel button.
Default—designate th most freqent/least destructive option as defaut command button.
Palette windows
These are modeless secondary windows that present a set of controls.an be These are
distinguished by their visual appearences, a collection of images, colors or patterns. Title bar is
shorter and includes only a close button. It can be of fixed size or resizable by the user. 2 techniques
used for resizing are changing the pointer image to the size pointer and placing a size command in
the wndow’s shortcut menu.

Pop-up Windows
These can be used to display additional information when an abbrevaited form of the information is
the main presentation technique. These also provide context-sensitve Help information. It contains
no title bar and close button.

Examples are ToolTips and ballon tips which provide the names for controls in graphcal toolbars.

Window management
It is done through schemes like a single-document interface, multiple-document interface and
projects. To choose the right scheme to present an application’s collection of related tasks design
factors considered are
● Inteded users and their skill level.

● Application and its objects/tasks.

● Most effective use of display space.

These are not exclusive design techniques, which must be combined or others develpoed.
Single-Document Interface
Usually window interface can be established using a single primary window, which is sufficient when
the object’s primary presentation/use is as a single unit like folder or document with object
containing differernt types. Here primary window provides the primary view or work area.
Secondary windows can be used for supplemental forms of input and to view information about
objects presented in the primary window. Here object and window have simple and 1-1 relationship.
It supports alternate views with a control allowing the view to be changed.
Advantages
● Most common usage.
 ● Window manipulation is easier and less confusing.

● Data-centered approach.
Disdavatage
● Information is displayed/edited in separate windows.
Multiple-Document Interface(MDI)
MDI may be used when multiple views of an object/multiple documents must be looked at same
time. Purpose is to provide multiple views of the same object, comparisons among related objects
and to present multiple parts of the application. An MDI interface consists of multiple document
windows which are easy to move between, for primary windows constrained to appear only within
the parents windows boundary, which are referred ad Main in Windows Program Manager. When
minimized, they are displyed at the bottom of their parent window in iconic form. They are alos
resizabale, movable and scrollable.
With MDI parent window provides a visual and operational framework for its child windows, which
share menu bar of the parent window and also share other parts of the parents interface like
toolbar/status bar. These components can be changed to reflect the commands and attributes of the
child window active at that momnet. Secondary windows displayed due to result of interaction
within the MDI parent/child window are not contained/clipped by the patent window, which must
activate and display content according to the conventions for secondary window’s associted with the
primary window. If an MDI document is opened, MDI parent window opens first and then the child
window for the document opens within it. When parent is closed child windows are also closed, with
preseverance of child status.
Advantages
● Child windows share the parent window’s interface components making it very space
effiecint.
● Useful for managing a set of objects.

● Provides a grouping and focus for a set of activities within the larger environment on PC.
disadvanatges
● Reinforces an application as the priomary focus.

● Containment for secondary windows within child windows does not exist obscurig window
relationships.
● Due to lack of objects in parent window, context is not maintained on closing and opening.

● Abstract relationship between files and windows.

● Confining chlld windows to the parent window is inappropriate for some tasks.

● Nested nature of child windows make it hard for the user to distinguish a child window from
a primary window which is peer with the parent window but is positioned on top.
Workbooks
It is a scheme for managing a set of views that uses a metaphor of a book/notebook. Here views of
objects, in the form of sections are presented within the primary window. Tabs are used for
navigation. Tabs must fit the content and organization of the presented information. Each tabbed
section represents a data view.
Advantages
● Provides a grouping and focus for a set of activities within the larger environment on PC.
 ● Conserves screen real estate.

● Provides the greater simplicty of the SDI.

● Provides greater simplicity by eliminting child window management.

● Preserves some management capabalities of the MDI.

disadvanatges
● Cannot present simulataneous views.
Projects
It is similar to MDI but visually contain child windows. Objects represented by icons contained within
it can be opened into primary windows which are peers with the parent window. Opened peer
windows do not share the menu bar. Each opened peer window must possess its own menu bar and
other interface elements. Each peer child window can have its own entry on the taskbar.
Advantages
● Provides a grouping and focus for a set of activities within the larger environment on PC.

● Preserves some management capabalities of MDI.

● Provides the greatest flexibility in the placement and arrangement of windows.

disadvanatges
● Increased complexity due to difficulty in differentiating peer primary windows of the project
from windows of other applications.

Organizing Window Functions

Information and functions must be presented to people and where they need them with proper
organization and support of tasks by windows.
Window Organization
People think in terms of task. Windows must be organized to support tasks. Design goal is to support
the most common user tasks in efficient manner with few steps. Mayhew suggests that poor
functional organization are due to factors like
● Emphasis on technical ease of implentation not on proper analysis of user tasks.

● Focus on applications, features, functions or data types not on tasks.

● Organizing of the design team into appliations, with little cross-team communication.

● Blindly mimimcing the manual world and carrying over manual ineffieciencies to the system.
Empahsis on implementation ease puts the needs of the designer. Focusing on task conforms to the
model of how people think.
Number of Windows
Windows are a means to an end, way of completing task. Multiple windows on a display increase the
load on human eyes or too small for effective presentation. Maximum number of windows that a
person could deal is 7 to 8. With reduction with experince. Windows maintained for experiene users
is 3.7. the exact number of windows a person can effectively deal with at one time will depend on
both the capabalities of the user and task characteristics. Minimize the numner of windows used to
complete task. Use single window to maximum extent.
Window Operations
Guidelines for windowing operations are still evolving due to use of published resaerch data with
different guidelines. Guidelines will contine to change with our understanding of the windows
interface.
Active Window
While a system supports the display of multiple windows, user generally works within a single
window called active window, made active when it is object of another windowing operation. User
wish to change windows structure along with contents, with permission to move and make it active.
It is made active by allowing the movement of selection cursor to the window’s interior and
signalling by pressing a key/button. A single open window with multiple open windows in performing
queries had slower performance with multiple windows. If speed of task handling is cricticala single
active window is more desirable. We need to differentiate the active window from other windows.
User must identify the active window. An active indicator in the window border which is turned
on/off, may also be used.
General Guidelines
● Easy to use—design easy to use and learn window operations. Complexity of windowing
system should not cancel out its potential advantages. Operations must be carefully
designed to achieve simplicity. Window manipulations should occur implicitly not explicitly.
● Minimize number—minimize the number of window operations needed to achieve a desired
effect. Establich the kinds of window operations that people want and minimize the number
of operations to obtain configuration.
● Easy navigation—make naiagting between windows easy and efficient. It ws performed
frequently. High performance operations are done easily.
● Setting up—this process must be easy to remember. Window arrangement was less frequnt.
Low frequency operations must be easy to learn.
● Usert-tailorable configurations—in overlapping systems , provide powerful commands for
arranging windows in user-tailorable configurations, provide eay operatins to achieve
required configurations.
Opening a Window
When windows are opened, they are designated as active and positioned in the most forward plne
of the screen for immediate use. When opened monitor will be of different monitor size depending
on display . windows title bar must be visible. To draw attention on newly opened window, display
the screen background behind the window in a neutral manner. When a primary window is
opened/restored position it at the top. Restore all secondary windows to the states that existed
when the primary window was closed. For dependent secondary window, place it on top of its
associated primary window. Secondary window with peers are placed on top of its peers. When a
secondary window is activated, its primary window and related peer windows must also be
positioned at top. More than one object is displayed on different windows. 1 st opened tiled window
will consume the entire screen. Subsqeunt windows are positioned by defaults in the system.
Sizing Windows
Larger windows advantages are
● They permit displying of more information.

● They facilitate learning data relationshps and groupings.

● Less window manipulation exist.

● Breadth is preferred to depth.

● More efficeint data validation and data correction can be performed.

Larger windows disadvantages are
● Longer pointer movements needed.
 ● Windows are more crowded.

● More visual scannig is required.

● Other windows obscure parts of the window.

● It is difficult to hide unwanted data.

Always provide large windows to present all the relevant and expected information for the task.
Never hide critical data amnd minimize the need for scrolling else increases decision making time.
Consider using unfoldiong dailog boxes, cascading windows or a tab control. In large windows
determine whether all information are needed and are related. Important/critical/frequently used
information must be maintained on the screen, aiding in placement of other window. Consider
shortening some window control captions to achive proper fit. Procedural text in window sizes of
6,12 and 24 lines were evaluated where 12 line window was accurata and foster. In case of 7,13 and
19 line windows 7 was adeqaute.
Window Placement
● Considerations—we have to consider how the window is used in relation to other windows,
overall dimensions of the display and the reason for window presented.
● General—1st locate the window for its compete visibilty. Windows must be restored to last
appeared position. New windows must be located to get viewers attention. Place the
window in a position for easy navigation and no obscure to other screens. Preferred
poastions are below and right. The suggested order is below right, right, top right, below left,
top, left, top left. In a multiple-monitor configuration display the secondary winow on the
same monitor as its primary window. In else cases horizontally center a secondary window
within the primary window just below the tilte bar, menu bar and any docked toolbars. Give
each additional window its own unique location. Cascading presentation from L-R is
recommended.
● Dailog boxes—if it refers to entire system center it on display, keeping key information on an
underlying window visible. If one dailog box calls an other, make the new movable whenever
possible.
Window Separation
Component separation is critical in a graphics environment due to spatial layering. All windows must
be clearly set off form the underlyiing screen/windows. Demarction must be crisp and pleasing. A
solid line border is recommended for this need. Also provide a window background which sets the
window off well against the overall screen background. In case of color use compatible colors. Also
use the window a lighter shade of the color used for screen background.
Movig a Window
Successful selection and movement of move operation is indicated by changing the pointer’s type,
for safe beginning and avoiding false starts. The entire window must move along with pointer in else
condition move the window outline while leaving the full window displayed on the screen which is
not feasible. Sonmetimes windows may be moved without being active.
Resizing a Window
Make your primary window resizable unless the information displayed in the window is
fixed/cannnot be scaled to provide the user with more information. For successful start of resize it
shoiuld be indicated by changing the pointer’s shape for safe beginning and avoiding false starts.
Simplest operation is resize from the lower-right corner and anchor the window in the upper-left
corner. It is flexible to do resizing from any point on the border. The entire window must move along
with pointer in else condition move the window outline while leaving the full window displayed on
the screen which is not feasible.
Effect of resizing operartion on the window’s contents depends on the application. In enlarging more
data may be displayed with additional space and in reducing less data may be displayed with less
space. In reduced space arrange infoemation in some logical structure format.
Other Operations
● Maximizing—it increases the window size to its largest optimum size, with miximum size of
display.
● Minimizing—it reduces to its smallest size.

● Restoring—it returns a window to its previous size and position after maximizing/minimizing.
Window Shuffling
It should be easily performed with few steps as possible, by toggling 2 most recently displayed
windows and by rapid window shuffling & swapping of the front window and back window.
Keyboard Control/Mouseless Operation
All window actions shoiuld be capable of being performed using both keyboard and mouse, for
efficeint running of applications with users of typee touch typing. Use of mnemonics code will aid In
user learning. For better results keyboard may be modified.
Closing a Window
Closing a window when the user requests it, after action completion and no relevance of tasks on
application. In case of primary window first close secondary windows. Save its postion and size
before close.
Web System
These have limite windowing capaalities where frame providing window like abilty and JavaScript
provding pop-up windows.
Frames
Web is a single page entity. It provides significant interface benefits and it is reversal of the interface
evolution process from single-screen to windowing. Frame is an independent pane of information
presented in a web page/multiple windows. Frames are tiled with no overlapps. Frames allow
display of multiple documents on a single web page which can be viewed,scrolled and updated
independetly.
Proper usage
Frames are suited where portions of the page content are expected to change frequently. Volatile
information can be seperated from other page content and placed within a frame. Frames allow
change of content and result display in other frames. We can compare multiple pieces of
information displayed on different frames.
Advanatages
● They decrease the user’s need to jump back and forth between screens.

● They increase the user’s chance to request, view and compare multiple sources of data.

● They allow content pages to be developed independently of navigation pages.

Disadvantages
● Difference between single web page and a page with frames is not clear.

● They suffer from shortcomings of tiled screens like

⮚ Only a limited number can be displayed on the screen area.

⮚ They are crowded and visullay complex because of frame borders.

● Frames-based pages behave differently from regular web pages like difficulties in page
printing, clumsy page interaction and URLs cannot be e-mailed to other users.
 ● Frames will not work on older browsers.
Guidelines
● Use no more than 3 frames at a time.

● Choose framesizes based upon the type of information to be presented.

● Never force people to resize frames to see information.

● Do not use more than one scrolling region in frames contained on a page.
Pop-Up windows
Javascript pop-up windows started appearing on the web in 1996 for multiplying and in the view of
almost all the web users. It is great aggravation to all the users by frequent usage. When a pop-up
window begins to appear most people close them before they are rendered, without seeing or
reading. Use with care.

Select the Proper Device-based Controls.

Characteristics of Device-Based Controls
The tasks performed using graphical systems are
● Pointing an object on the screen.

● To select the object/identify it as the focus of attention.

● Draging the object across the screen.

● To draw something free from the screen.

● To track/fallow a moving object.

● To oreint/position an object.

● To enter or manipulate data/information.

2 impotant factors with device performance are mechanism and direction, disrance and speed of
devices.
Firstly mechainism is a direct or indirect pointing device. Direct devices are operated on screen itself
like light pen, finger and voice. Indirect devices are operated in a location other than screen like
mouse, trackball and keyboard. Skills involved in using direct devices are simpler than indirect
devices.
Secondly in terms of direction, distance and speed. Relationship between hand movement and
pointer movement on the screen. Mouse achieves a coupled relationship an all the 3 aspects.
Pointer fallows the mouse with 3 aspects. Trackaball achieves in olny 2 direction and speed and not
in distance. It requires less skill to work with 3 aspects.
Trackball
It is commeonly used with noebook PCs, is a ball which rotates freely in all directions in its socket.
Ball is rotated with one’s fingertips and its direction and speed are tracked and translated into
equivalent screen cursor movement. These are well suited for nabiagational control like video
games, where smooth movement is necessary.
Advantages
● It possess a direct realtionsip between hand and pointer movement in terms of direction and
speed.
● Cursor moves in the same direction and speed ratio as the ball is rotated.
 ● It requires no additional space.
Disadvantages
● Control movement is indirect.

● Proper skill is required to use trackball.

● Over long periodds of use. They can be fatiguiung.

● With keyboard tasks they require a shift in motor activity from keystrokes to finger
movement.
Joystick
It is a stick or bat-shaped device usually anchored at the bottom. They come in varaible sizes, smaller
ones being operated by fingers and large ones needs whole hand. Smaller require fine motor
coordination and larger ones more gross coorination. Force joysticks are immovable. Movable
joysticks can be moved within a dish-shaped area. Direction and distance of the movements create a
smaller pointer movement on the screen. These are well suited for navigartional control where
smooth movement is required.
Advanatages
● It possess a direct realtionsip between hand and pointer movement in terms of direction.

● They do not obscure vision of the screen.

● They do not require additional desk space.

Disadvantages
● These are indirect devices.

● Requires skill to use anc can be slow and inaccurate.

● Use over extended time, they may be fatigiung.

● With keyboard use, they require shift in motor activity from keystrokes to finger/hand
movement.
Graphic Tablet
It is also called touch tablet with a horizontal surace sensitive to pressure, heat, light or blockage of
light. It may lie on the desk or used with keyboard, operated with fingers, light pen or stylus.
Advatages
● It possess a direct realtionsip between hand and pointer movement in terms of direction,
distance and speed.
● Screen mimics the tablet.

● When used with objects likw pencils operational angle, horizontal is more comfortable than
those vertically oriented.
Disadvantages
● These are indirect controls.

● It requires moving a hand from the keyboard to pick up and use.

● For finger with tablet-activation object, accuracy with small objects is difficult.

● These require desk space.

Touch Screen
It is a screen consisting of special surface sensitive to finger/stylus touch. Objcts on screen are
pointed to and touched to select them.
Advantages
● It possess a direct realtionsip between hand and pointer movement in terms of direction,
distance and speed.
● Relationship is direct.

● It does not require any additional disk space.

Disadvantages
● hey are fatiguing over an extended period of time.

● It obscures part of the screen and be too large to be accurate with small objects.

● Fingers soil the screen and stylus damage it.

● It requires moving a hand from the keyboard to pick up and use.

Guidelines
● Larger screen obects should always be provides to foster accuracy in use.

● Objects should be 3/4 square at a mimimum and separated by atleast 1/8.

● Visual and auditory feedback must be provided in response to activation.

● In public places it should possess a instructional invitation to begin their use.

Light Pen
It utulizes a touch screen, but sensitive in specific way to one kind of pen/stylus.
Advantages
● It possess a direct realtionsip between hand and pointer movement in terms of direction,
distance and speed and coinsidered as direct pointing devices.
● It does not require any additional desk space.

● It is more accurate than the finger

Disadvantages
● They are fatiguing over an extended period of time.

● It requires moving a hand from the keyboard to pick up and use.

Voice
It is used for automatic speech recognition.
Advantages
● It is simple and direct communication medium, useful for non keyboard using persons.
Disadvantages
● These errors are fundamentally different from keying errors, resulted from computer speech
recognizers inabilty to recognize words.
● Different users will have different speeds.

● Error-correction takes too much time to rectify.

● It is difficult to utilize in an improper environment.

Mouse
It is a rectangular/dome shaped, desktop control containing 1-3 buttons used to manipulate objects
and information on the screen. Movement of screen pointer mimics the mouse movement. In 1968,
Doug Engelbart invented mouse, which was patented as x-y position indicator.
Advantages
● There is a direct relationship between hand and pointer movement in terms of direction,
distance and speed with default controls.
● Hand position is comfortable

● Does not obscure the screen

Disadvantages
● They are indirect devices.

● Requires skill to use when combined with keyboard.

● Requires additional desk space and long positining movements.

● Different configuration are present in market.

Configurations
● Mouse may possess 1/2/3 buttons with most windowing system permitiing operation using
all configurations.
● When 3 mouse buttons are not available the pointer location/keyboard qualifiers are used
to detwrmine the function to be performed.
● Multibutton mouse permits more efficient operation.
Functions
● Functions performed are Select, Menu and Adjust.

● Select function is used to manipulate controls, to select alternatives and data and to select
objects.
● Select function is assigned to a 1-button mouse.

● Menu function is used to rrquest and display pop-up menu on a screen, appearing when the
button is depresses within area of screen.
● Menu elimanates the need for a control icon.

● Adjust function extends/reduces the number of items selected, used for atleast 3 functions
and assigned last with prominent location on mouse.
Operations
● Point the movement and positioning of the mouse pointer over the desired screen object.

● To click is to press and immediately release a button without moving the mouse.

● To double click is to perform 2 clicks with a time limit without moving the mouse.

● To drag is to press and hold the button down and then move the pointer in the approprite
direction.
 ● To double-drag is to perform 2 clicks and hold the button down and then move the pointer
in the approprite direction.
Mouse Usage Guidelines
● For small object provide hot-zone around it.

● Do not use mouse + keystroke combination to complete actions.

Keyboard
Christopher Latham Sholes invented the standard typewriter keyboard in 1870, commonly called
QWERTY layout , keys postioned with intention to slow typist keying movements and reduce jam.
From human-engineering perspective most of the keyboard movements and operations were
dominated by left hand with frequent keystrokes also. In 1936,August Dvorak created a revised
keyboard to overcome drawvbacks of previous keyboard. DVORAK layour included a right hand
dominance in keying with less row changes and systematic alternatives between left and right,
reducing finger travel distance. This was not considered by many users. In 1980s IBM performed
studies comparing QWERTY keyboard with seqential key layouts, to make better for non touch
typists. They find that they were comfirtable with QWERTY format, with more effienceny with 2
finger typing.
Advantages
● Standard keyboard is familiar, accurate and consume less desk space.

● It is useful and effiecient for entering or inserting text/alphanumeric data.

● Keyed shortcuts are accepted, through keyboard accelarators/mnemonic equivalents.

● Overcomes the drawback of graphical device based controls and mouse.

DIsadvatages
● Requires discretre finger actions to operate.

● No direct relationship between finger and cursor movement on the screen.

● It will be slower for non-touch typists.

Keyboard Guidelines
● Keyboard mnemonics
1. Keys assigned for accelerators should foster efficent performance and be meaning
and conceptually consistent to aid learning.
2. Use standard accelerators.
3. Frequently performed tasks should be assigned single keys as alternative.
4. Action that extend should be assigned a shif key with original action.
5. Infreqent or larger scale actions shoud be assigned Ctrl+key combinations.
● Keyboard equivalents
1. These should be chosen in a meaningful way to aid memorabality and foster
predictabality of these things that may be forgotten.
2. It should be unique within a menu. Use the 1st letter of menu description
● Window navigation
1. It shoud be provided through keyboard.