Software Tools and User Interface Design

Specification Methods

• BNF grammars
• Multi[arty grammars
• Menu selection and dialog box trees
• Transition diagrams
• State charts

User Action Notation (UAN)

• Direct manipulation interfaces allow a variety of user actions
• Users depend on receiving feedback from system
• In direct manipulation interfaces effects of actions depend heavily on context (e.g. cursor position)
• UAN notation suggests event driven programming

Interface construction tools

• Delphi
• Power Builder
• VC++
• VBasic
• Motif
• Java
• Toolbook
• Hypercard
• Access
• Labview
• Netscape Gold
• Internet Explorer
• Powerpoint
• MS Access
• CASE tools

Features of UI Construction Tools

• UI is independent of application code
• Methodology and notation support project management
• Rapid prototyping
• Software support present

Tool Selection Criteria

• Widgets supported
• Interface features
• Software architecture
• Management issues