A Brief History of User Interfaces (and Computers)

The history of UIs (User Interfaces) is generally grouped into three eras. Dates are provided for the eras, but keep in mind that interaction styles from the first two eras are still practiced. Here is a more comprehensive presentation of the history of UIs.

Batch Processing

All input is submitted at the beginning of processing. Upon completion (second to hours later), all output is provided.

Characteristics

• Limited number of computers in existence
• Computers are large and expensive
• Computer operators are experts

Command-line interface

Computer users interact with the computer through commands (often abbreviated), typically entered through the keyboard.

Characteristics

• Smaller, less expensive computers
• Computer users are expected to learn commands
• Computer users are specialists

Graphical User Interfaces

Computer users interact with computer applications by directly manipulating graphic objects using a pointing device (e.g. mouse).

Characteristics

• Computers are small, inexpensive and ubiquitous
• Computer users are not experts
• Users generally expect to use computer applications with little or no training
• Often termed WIMP (Windows, Icons, Mice, Pointer)

Discussion

• Are there advantages to batch processing and command-line interfaces? Are they still useful today?
• Does this history help explain why many interactive systems are difficult to use?