2. Devices

Interfaces

Mr Mordey

Big Picture

Understand the purpose of an interface.

Past

Discuss how different devices impact on the use of an interface.

Compare a range of features that are needed in a UI for each device.

Present

Future

Careers: Software development, Interface Designer, Software Solutions

Digital Devices

It is important to consider the type of device you will be using a UI on. The following device can be used:

​Computers

This includes desktop and laptops.

Controlled through mouse and keyboard

Handheld

Includes smartphones, smartwatches and tablets.

Controlled through touch input.

​Entertainment Systems

Includes games consoles, Smart TV's, Sky boxes.

Controlled through remote/games controller.

Domestic Appliances.

Household items e.g. Microwave or washer.

Controlled through buttons.

There are a range of techniques that are used to control and navigate through a U.I:

Devices to Control

• Mouse & Keyboard

• Touch Screen

• Games Controller

• Voice Control

• Remote Control

• Motion Control

• Buttons/Switches

Match

Match the following device to the category.

• Computers

• Handheld Devices

• Domestic Appliances

• Entertainment Systems

Desktop and Laptops

Smartphone and Tablets

Microwave and Washing Machine.

Smart TV and Playstation 5.

• Desktop and Laptops

• Smartphone and Tablets

• Microwave and Washing Machine.

• Smart TV and Playstation 5.

Match

Match the following device to the method of control.

• Computers

• Entertainment Systems

• Handheld Devices

• Domestic Appliances

Mouse and Keyboard

Game/Remote Controllers.

Touch Screen

Buttons and Switches

• Mouse and Keyboard

• Game/Remote Controllers.

• Touch Screen

• Buttons and Switches

These are things to consider about the devices before designing the UI.

​

Considerations

• CPU: The CPU determines the speed of the computer, how quickly it will load elements of the UI.

• Memory: The RAM determines how many windows and features can be opened at the same time.

Considerations

• Screen Size: How large is the screen likely to be when using the device? This impacts how much can be seen and the amount of movement needed.

• Method of Control: How does the user navigate the UI. Is it mouse and keyboard, touch screen or remote control. This impacts the amount of windows and movement needed.

Multiple Choice

What doe the Memory/RAM impact?

• How large the images in the UI will be

• How many windows or features can be open at once.

• How fast the UI is likely to load up when switching on the device.

• The way you read the information from the screen in the UI,

Multiple Choice

What will the CPU impact on?

• How many windows can be open at the same time.

• How the information will be displayed across the screen.

• How fast the UI will work and load.

• How much security is given to the device.

Reorder

Reorder the following Devices based on their screen size from smallest to the left to largest to the right

• Smartwatch

• Mobile Phone

• Tablet

• Desktop Computer

• Games Console

1

2

3

4

5

• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5

Comparing Devices

You must be able to compare devices based on the considerations and how the UI might look because of these. Here is an example:

​Smartphone

This will have a small screen so the UI must be designed to fit everything in.

Controlled through touch screen so icons must be large enough to touch, also make use of swipe and scrolling.


Less memory than a PC so less windows open at once, also less powerful so Images may need to be smaller and less quality.

Games Console

Will be displayed on a TV screen so quite large space to show UI features.

Controlled through a games controller, so menus must be large as less accuracy than a mouse and keyboard.


Quite powerful so images and features load quickly, a lot of memory so multiple features can be loaded at the same time.

Categorize

Options (8)

Smaller Screen so icons need to fit

Controlled through touch screen larger icons needed

Will have limited CPU power may load items slower

Smaller memory less windows can be open at the same time

Large screen to display many icons and menus

Use of controller means less accuracy menus should be well spaced

Powerful CPU meaning interface will load things quickly

More memory can have multiple features open and running at the same time.

Organize these options into the right categories

Smartphone

Games Console

Main Task

Computer Task:

Make a comparison sheet in MS PowerPoint. You should compare at least two different devices and discuss how they are used. For each device you should discuss:

Complete all the questions on the work sheet.

• CPU Power

• Memory

• Screen Size

• Method of Control