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What is an Interface?
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WHAT IS AN INTERFACE?

According to the Merriams- Websters Online (http://www.m-w.com/cgi- bin/dictionary?book=Dictionary&va=interface) definition, the term interface is "the place at which independent and often unrelated systems meet and act on or communicate with each other" .

As an example, our online class (made of a web page) acts as  the  interface that connects the instructor and all the students together. Communication or interaction can therefore take place. But, how can the communication take place? Important components on an interface such as  the visual elements or graphics (images, text/typography, multimedia, page layout, navigation buttons, etc) play an important role of interactivity. It is an integral part of user experience. It allows the user to have control over the interface  (Lynch & Horton, 2001). 

Other examples, may include the look of an OS systems (Mac or PC interface). The use of icons with text on the desktop of a computer system visually communicates and allows us to interact with the computer.

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Examples of interfaces for class discussions

2014


Treo 600 (2002)
IPAQ 4155 (2002)