66 HUMAN COMPUTER INTERACTION

(JNTU-HYDERABA
PART-B ESSAY QUESTIONS WITHSOLUTIONS

3. WINDOWs -MENU AND NAVIGATION SCHEMES

Q11. What are the contents of menus? Explain their structures.
OR
Classify the structures of menus.Give suitable examples.
(Refer Only Topic: Structure of Menus)
Answer:
Aug./Sep.-08, Set-3., Qs,
Menu

Amenu is used to perform tasks of a system.There are different kinds of menus and to use the best type of menu, follo
factors must he consdered.
( ) The items that are contained in menu.
(ii) The menu that is used frequently.
(iii)The contents of menuthat is frequently changed.
Contents of Menus
There are four distinct contents of menus. They are,
r Context
Title
3/ Alternative descriptions
4. Explicit instructions.
1. Context
Theuser is positioned based on the information
provided by the context of menu. In case of complex or
systems, this type of information is very crucial as it can result in loss of user's orientation. A hierarchical me
provided for the following, necessary feedback should
(Y User's location
(üY Previous selection of user and
Gn) Further navigations of user.
A
navigation feedback is provided by verbal linkage, spatial
linkage or both the linkages.
(a) Verbal Linkage: Averbal linkage provides information
and desired menu of user, The selected about the
option from a list of choices present menu screen, choice list off met
previouS

reflected by verbal linkage context. Sreflected by the verbal linkaoe title which ts
(b) Spatial Linkage: Aspatial linkage can be aachieved with the help of
menu screen that overlaps the previous menu so that the selected optionsgraphic
can be designs.
viewed individually. with
Each design Hence. theideaß
RrOgresses

progression can be determined witlhout any effort.

Title

Amenu's context for a group of present selectedi options can be

chosen option from the previously displayed menu. provided by the title of menu, refect tN
This title should
3. Alternative Deseriptions
The users have d1fferent descriptions offchoices on the menu screen. These descriptions vary with style such as mnemnonk:
alphabetic or numeric. The selected style illustrates the user's experienee,
the
the náture of choice (i.e., efficient oY not) and the quality of system (i.c., a quality of or mous
web selection sty le (i.e.,
keyboard

application or business application).

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 UNIT-3
Windows and Components
Expllcit Instructlons 67
4

Menu instructions denote the following The direction of sequential menus may be tedious, it
(he uscr, information to may have menu after menu which becomes difficult when a
Howto notify the user's selection? user has to remember or change a previous answer. Hence, the
o user prefers to process or handle the nenus in a different order
Explanations for why the user is made to from the presented order
sclect an option.
selection cffect on the other 3. Sipultaneous Menus
()Thc

successive
Casual users require cxplicit instructions forprocesses. Simultaneous menus are presented on the same screen
whereas Cxperienced users do not
making with all the menu options available parallely. Based on the user's
choices
require any verbose
dircctions. In creating these instructors, the requirements desire, the menu may be completed and the ted1um related with
uscr and the quality of system
of a long path of sequential menu's can be minimized since the
Cvery must also be considered. choices of various nenus are visible to the user. Hence, results
Structure of Menus
(a) of menus can be changed and compared. Asimultaneous menu
The structure of menus describes the user's control in shown in figure below.
performing a particular task. The structure can be
simple or ALTERNATIVE I
ng
amolex. Menus basically consist of small dialog boxes in DItem |
shich the user is allowed to choose from a set of alternatives. DItem 2
The commonly used structures áre,
D Item3
Single Menus
OItem 4
In this structure, a single window is displaycd to obtain ALTERNATIVE 2
the user's input. For example, while playing a game, the different
choices available aresimple, intermediate or hard. The user is OItemn
concerned only with the immediate consequence of selected O Item 2
iem Irom this single menu and no additional system mepus OItem 3
require uscr choices, OItemn 4
When an iterative single menu is presented, the user
should re-enter input data. This is because, the previous input Figure: Ilustration of Simultaneous Menus
fails in performing the validity check. The disadvantage of a simultaneous menu is that,
confusion arises when a number of groups of menus aPe
OItem I available. Hence, it is necessary to h¡ve screen paging or
O Item 2 scrolling to see all the choices of menus.
O Item3 Simultaneous menus also denote the relationships and
dependencies betweën menu choices on a screen because
it
nu DItem 4 when alternative
be becomes very confusing for a novice user
choices are poorly denoted.
Figure: Ilustration of Single Menus Hierarchical Menus
4.
2 Sequential Menus menu
parameter Ahierarchical menu is presented when various
is to identify a the menu options
The goal of sequential menu sequential menu must be alternatives are interrelated and only some of
menus increase
ulo enter input data, AllmeDus in a advance. are dependable ona previous menu selection. As illustrated as
order is set in is
splayed in aspecifc direction whose with number of choices, hierarchical structure are divided,
menu screçns that structure where menus
hese menus are demonstrated on separate Based onthe nature an increasing refinement
have only one direction with a preset order.
is decided, Ká) From choices to subchoices
of collected information, the length of direction
nus

in the system
should (5 From groups to subgroups
urm
which may be short or long. Every menufashion. A sequential
(cy From pages to components and
answered by the user in some other
ha henu is shown in figure beloW, (d)/From elements to subelements.
of Menu I
Menu 3
Menu 2
Menu 2 Menu 3
Menu 1
the Menu
OIteml Menu 4 Menu 5 Menu 6
DItem 2
O Item 3 Menu 9 Menu10
Menu 8
nic. D Item4 Hierarchical Menus
se). Figure: l|lustration of
Sequential Manus
Figure: illustrotion of STUDENTS
J0URNAL FOR ENGINEERING
 68 HUMAN COMPUTER INTERACTION [JNTU-HYDER
The above structure is an inverse tree for which the () Certain parameters arc changed in the
branches increase as it moves downwards. It is a top-down (Eg: Font). present
process in which branches has a preset order and structure. The user is taken out of present location
These structures are classified by breadth and depth related (i) 10 opeTak
function (Eg: A spell check).
factors. Here, breadth is used to show the number of alternatives
present atevery level ot menus and depth represents the number (i) The user is allowed to move from current
of choice levels passed through to reach target. Examples of new location (Eg: Exitoperation). \ocalion
hierarchical structure are available on Internet with navigation Based on the state or event present at a
links and in members with a pull-down menu strategy. Problem the contents of menus are changed by pariCular
with a hierarchical structure is that preset order of branches do
the event-driven
not match with the lask floworder assumed by the user. When For example, in a word application,the paste option
the users do not predict subgroups of a specific choice then when atleast a single thing is available in aclipboard.works
WTong directions may be taken by users to move downwards example, is å grid option where the options are"Hidden.Anote
"Show Grid" are based on whether grid is to be
and hence it becomes necessary to go back upward to a higher
level menu. The menu bars which are event-driven menus help in o displayed
context of menu when the content is changing in the creating
The structre of hierarchical menus must be consistent
Q12. What are the functions of menus?
foregrou
with user's conviction and hence the confusion related with
alternative choices can be reduced. It also helps the user to briefly. Explaln
move upward for analyzing the tree. The top level of structure Answer :
is numbered as level 0 and the other Aug./Sep.-08, Set-3, Q8
successive levels are Theimportant functions of menus are,
numbered starting from levell, level2,.. in a sequential
manner. Navigation
5. Connected Menus Execution
All menus in the network are connected with each Display and
other in some fashion. Here. instead of top down A. Definition of input data.
traversal an
unhindered wandering movement between the two alternative Navigation
menu_ is considered instead of top-down traversal. The
of connected menu may be cyclic or acyclic order The user's selection displays a different menu
allowing the on the
movement in any direction. The multiple paths or directions screen in the form ofa hierarchical menu. Such selection guide
in these menus may have different connectivity. the user towards a specific objective or gol. Errors
in selectian
connected menu structure is illustrated in the figureStructure
below,
of may lead to wrong directions to choose a
particular menu
which increases the overall execution tËme while
Menu Menu 2 particular task. But, the[e selection errors are performing 1
and hence can be rolled back. non-destructive
2, Execution
Menu 3 Menu 4 Executiqn is performed based on user's selection.
action or event such as closing or
text or transmitting a text file. In opening a file, copying
certain situations, executiot
is performed only after the
Menu 5 Menu 6
navigation
structure. However, execution may occur of a hierarchica
Figure: lllustration of Connected Menus subsequent hierarchical menus are completed.when traversal u
action pErTörmed specifies the effects The nature
The advantage of connecled menu is that the network of selection errors
may or may not arise: For example, in
provides complete control over navigation flow. Disadvantage selections of irreversible action interface designs, cas
associated with this menu is that connected menu network has 3.
must be avoided.
complex structure and network navigation may be daunting for Display
anovice user. The objective of selecting a menu is to display Som:
information while searching from a
6. Event-Driven Menus Internet. The user concentrates database or while browsing
When user is operatng on an important task, the event primarily than selection on the desired information
operation. After !
driven menus give controlled representation of the condition and hierarchical structure, information retrieved.
navigating

:
directions of can be
parameters of system. A group of parallel menus enforced on desire. The selection depend on Content of menus and user '
evaluate theinformation
hierarchical menus result in event-driven menus. For example. which is not yet covered is processea
a graphical system consisting of a paralel menu, menu ba. other
alot of time and subsequent menu selections. The users
spend

hierarchical menu. Event-diven menus provide the following In this case effort in processing this informatiot

three operations, time.

also, the selection uncovered1 executiot
erroIs increase overalll

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 UNIT-3 Windows and Conponents 69

Dpetinition of Input Data 5. Complexity

Auser scleetion defines an input data ot a parameter Menus can be simple and complex
alue, which is preseited On a single menu or a hierarchical menus, only imited
menu tor the system. Here also, the primary attention is on the (i) Simple Menus: In simple
desircd intormation than on selcction operation. If selection number of cvents and menusS are proyIded.
entire set of
sare reveald. then they can be casily corrected to minimize (ii) Complex Menus: In complexmenus,
ot time consumed.
amount events and menus are provided.
the (otal
6.
Explain the guldelines for the following, Alignment single column
Q13. Menu options should be aligned in a
( Formatting of menus for top-to-bottom reading.
(b Phrasing the menus. menu options,
In case of horizontal alignment of left-to-right
aligned for
Model Paper-4, Q4(a) descriptions should be
Answer :
Formatting of Menus reading.
(a) 7. List Ordering
The following are the guidelines for menu formatting. should be arranged by their
(i) The menu choice lists using
Consistent lists can be ordered by
preset order i.e., some
order.
Formatting of mehus must be consistent in order a numerical or alphabetical
should not rearrange
to fulfill the user's expectation. The changed menu choices
the menus.
Formatting of menus should follow consistent suchas fixed length
phrasing, formatting, choice, selection and consistent arrangement
menu options should be
navigation methods. or variable length of
maintained.
Display Output perform destructiveevents
2
permanently ifmenu (iv) The selected items that
() The menu should be displayed or repeatedly on should be separated.
their
options are referret continoUsty should be ordered based on
(y The textual lists sequence.
the sercen. importance, structure, frequency
and
must be displayed in such
The menu on the screen present on the 8 Item Grouping
other data
a way that it will not hide Different groups of items that
are logical, relevant
created.
SCrCen.
when anddistinctive, should be
The menu must be displayed en demand groups should be classified so
as to
(i) referred rarely. (ii) The created similarities between
options of menu are maximize and minimize
the
items of different groups.
3. Presentation Style
related choices should
be very
Number of groups should
be limited to 6 or 7 to
The menu and its and consistent
user,when unique be displayed on a screen.
clear to the
provided. should be arranged in a
display methods are The classified groups
elements should not possess relevant order.
() The other system items should be accessed
menuchoice. trequently selected
similar features of The
immediately.
4 Menu Management should be created when
menu should Discrete visual groups
menus, the top-level are present.
In Fornatting
menu carrying basic
Anore than eight choicesof items
a general or main lne for creating
have
Use wide spacing or thin ruled
options. (y)
the important
should reflect ditlerent groups.
management the
(i) The meu in order to fulill
structure
9. Separation in
menu's arranged
Steps of subgroups that are
objeçtives of a user. number (i) The groups and separated with the help
of a
restrictecd to a few columns should be
be
(ii) The menus should improve of respectively.
solid and dotted lines
pvrtormance
the provided
toas be
Ot levels so justitications should
() Lel and right of ditlerem
websites.
without the
logical group
under column and
row choice options
choices wvith or
Ihe menu shoutd be
tnited. subgroups. cxtended me
System
components
should have an
Of to scroll. Individual groups
allowed (i) of menu.
(v) The menus shouldInot be inuccordance
wilh from left-t0-right edges
must be
(vi) The menunanagennent

acconmpl1shed. STUDENTS

the type of work

to be 10URNAL FOR
ENGINEERING
70
HUMAN COMPUTER

4.
INTERACTION

Indicators
(JNTU-HYOERAR
(b) Phrasing the Menus Acascade indicator is used to

1.
The following are the guidelines for menu phrasing.
Title
cascaded menus by placing a
right-desipomtgvatineg a
on a choice that leads tooanother lower.
For main menus, a short,
clear, simple and (Gi) A window indicator is used to
\evelm
()
distinct title should be created so as to provide window by placing an ellipsis display
instantly
the information regarding use of complete set of in item description.
choices. (iii) No special indicator should be
(ii) For submenus, asimilar title as that of the carlier menu option is selected directly
provided
selected menu option must be created.
5. Keyboard Equivalent and Mnemonic
(ii) For general menus,
All the items of menu should be alloted
(a) The title should be located at the top of the w
choice lists. keyboard equivalent and mnemonics in
aid in selecting a menu choice from
order
(b) The title should be displayed either in an the keybo
uppgrcase font or a mixed case font and (i The initial letter of item description shoul,
(c) Unnecessary titles must be eliminated. designated by a mnemonic character.
2 Choice Descriptions first two letters of item description
same, then use a d1fferent letter in the si.
(i) The choice descriptions that are short, frequent and of similar letters.
distinct are created.
(iy The description of choices must be in a single (b) The first and the initial succeeding cons
or multiple or compound words except for the of description should be selected in plag
case of menu bar items since it has a single word similar letters.
format. Each mnemonic character should be underlin
(ii)/A verb should be positioned as an initial keyword (iv) Standard industry keyboard equivalents must
in a menu.
used when keyboard equivalents and mnemon:
iy Every initial letter in the choice description should are available.
be capitalized.
6. Accelerator Key
) Task-orientation and simultaneous construction of
wording is used in the choice description. The menu items that are used frequently should
(vi) The wordings of menu choice and menu title should provided with an accelerator keysoas to facilta:
not be similar. the selections from keyboard.
(Mi) Distinct menus have different choices that should (i) An acceleration key can either be a single key d
be worded separately. combination of keys. Function key shortcust
(vii) Specific ordet should not be given to the choice list Simple enough to be used than a modified shotcu
except for the numeric, graphic or adaptive list. (iii) More than two keys should not be pressed at
as
(ix) The capitalized letters and the semantic syntax Aplus (+) symbol is used to signify that more
of menu options should be consistent with the two keys are pressed at a
language used. time.
(v) Each accelerator should be associated with
(x) Different word choices should act as
directives to particular value to the menu's item.
operate a system.
(vi) The function
3. Instructions keys are identified with the help
numbers or letters assigned on the top of each ke
In ca[e of inexperienced users, explicit instructions
(viP Common
associated keyboard
should be provided. or languag
(a) Leave a minimum of three spaces to
language
with new systems must be Used whe
right and
left justify lines of choice descriptions. different keyboard languages
(viii) The are used
(b) A line of space is left between the two accelerator should be Separated from
instructions of choicedescription. item description by
(ix) The leaving three spaces
o) The instructions are displayed in a mixed
case accelerator'
in the right s key description shoulddbe
aligne'

font style.
(X direction.
(i) Incase of experienced users, the instructions should The accelrator case

cascading nicnuskeys should not be used in

be displayed or presented in a distinct style in a and
pop-upaccelerators
consistent way.
(xi) Standard industry keyboard menus. must k
used when
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 UNIT-3 Windows and Components
71
Q14.
Discuss the quidelines of selecting choices and
navigating menus, 3.
Defa1lt Option
Answer :
If needed,a default option is provided for selecting
Model Paper-1l, Q4(a)
of Menus a menu item.
Selecting Choices
The following are the () The default option is designated in a bold text style.
guidelines for menu choice 4 Inaccessible Alternatives
selection.

Positioning aCursor ) The alternatives that are not accessible should be

1 made unclear to the user.
When a selected option is of ahigher
then the cursor should be positioned atprobability.
that menu (n) No action or event should be taken unless the user
adds or removes the items from a menu.
option.
(ii) When a previously repeated option has a high 5 Markinga Toggle
probability of selection, then the cursor should be Toggles are used to indicate and remind whether a
specified
positioned at that option. menu item is active or inactive within a
(iiiWhen there is no such probability of selecting an duration of time.
option, then the cursor should be positioned at the Toggle should be displayed at the left of the menu
initial menu option. option when an item is active.

Selecting a Choice (i1i) For non-executive selected choices, an option is

considered to deselect all the menu items so that
Using Pointers it returns back to its original state.
The menus choice should be selected by pointing
6. Toggled Items
on it with the help of a mouse, light pen, track ball indicate two
pointer or finger. A toggled menu item js used to
(bY The menu options that are to be selected must be frequently accessed commands.
commands are
clearly indicated. ( i Itshould be used when two distinct
available.
(c) The single and multiple menu alternatives must be
clearly differentiated. () Itshould provide aclear and meaningful description
of the menu's event.
(d The size of selected regions must be atleast twice
the size of pointing region. (iv) A verb should be displayed at the beginning of
separated command output.
(e The neighboring target regions must be a mixed
adequately. Otherwise, the pointing devices must (v) Each toggled menu item is displayed in
be aminimum of 6 millimeters square. case font style with acapitalized first letter.
finger, then a
(f) When a selection is done using Navigating Menus
square must be
minimum of 20 to 30 mimmeters The following are the guidelines for navigation.
provided by the modifier plus
etter option should
1. Navigation Control
area.
be coveredby the touched
() In case of multilevel menus, a simple ever
() U_ing aKéyboard either to th
should is performed so as to revert baçk
menu choice, the cursor succeeding higher-level or to the main menu.
(a) When select1ng a
keys.
be positioned using the arrow identifier value (ii) Different directions should be provided
to pa
with a menu choice through a hierarchical menu.
An entry field
(0) lists and
the bottom of choice when
can be positioned at lower case (iii) Navigation controls must be meaningfiul
be inupper case, availab
the entered value can website context is available, frequcntly
orderi
and mixed case font style. clear and distinct, consistent in operating,
descriptive with a textual title a
t) Selection and Execution and style, directions.
selecting
should be provided while available with different navigation
( Diferent eventschojces the differenc
and executing
of menu. (iv) Navigation controls should hide
designated by between website and browser.
option should be
The selected pointer.
O
or by changing the format of Navigation Facilities
nighl1ghting it deselecting 2.
(c) Delection errors must be
avoided by
choices, cach Navigation and learming of menu provides an casy way
Choices and incase
of multiple menu Summarize the hierarchical
menus.
execution. ()
selected before
option shouldbe flexibility is
Alternatives for selecting an item
option, (i)
(d) When pointing a menu altermat1ves Store navigation records.
different selection (i1)
provided to it if
CXIst. STUDENTS
ENGINEERING
ALL-HN-ONE
JOURNAL FOR
SPECTRUM
 HUMAN COMPUTERINTERACTION
72

3. Navigation Links (b) Control

1JNTU-HYOERABA
() In case ofmultilevel menus, a simple
()/ Global navigation links should be located at the event is perlo:
so as torevert back either to the
top of web page.
or to the main menu. succecding highere
(i1) Local navigation links are located at the left side
of web page. Different directions should be provided tto
a hierarchical menu. pass thr
(11i) Minor navigation links are located at the end of
page. (iD Navigation controls must be meaningful
website context is available. frequently when
In case of larger wveb pages, global or local and distinct, consistent in operating, available
navigation links are placed repeatedly at the bottom ordering :
descriptive with atextualtitle and available
of web page. navigationdirections. with hdifi
(v) For explicit menus, the textual links should be
located within a web page description. (iv). Navigation controls should hide ethe differences
website and browser. hewer
4. Navigation Elements Menu Naigation Aids
(c)
() Navigation elements providea group or local map,
arf alphabetical index and a set of table contents. A menu navigation aid should provide an eas
accessible menu map or overview of tthe hierarchy
(i1) Asite map should be demonstrated to show the of me.
This should include,
structure of hierarchical website and relationship What comes next i.e., "look ahead" of the various cho
among anerent navigation elements. selections etc., should be displayed if achoice from the o
(iii) Any location in the site can be accessed by rent level is highlighted or selected?
navigation elenents. The history of the navigation if required.
(iv) These elemens provide an aid to search different The following terms are assOciated with menu navigator
websites.
5
(i) Menu Maps: Menu maps are the graphical represent
They provide an overview of website along with the tion of the structure of the menu. They help in know
links to all important concepts. the current position of the yser while keeping track e
6. Navigational elements do not need any scrolling on actions as there is a possibility of getting lost in te
webpages. Due to this, the need for SCrolling may be multilevel menu.
minimized. (ii) Lòok Aheads: It will be of great help to the user ift:
7. Atleast one link should be available on each page. If choices of next level can be displayed wWier the curent
logical group of elements exist then number of links lie displayed choice isitghlighted before itis selectedTh:
e between 18 to 24 and if no logical group of elements helps the user to resolve ambiguity in making choike i
exists then number of links lie between 4 to 8. higher level.
8. All the embedded links must be provided in a list by Example: A pull-down menu may be automatca
placing a less relevantlink in the inner position oflist. dropped when the cursor is moved on the menu n°
Q15. Explain the following, This allows to review the choices available when s
user selects that menu bar item.
(a) Navigation goals
(b) Control (ii) Navigation History: The path that the user has trak
so for, if shown an screen, can reduce the d1sorie
(c) Menu navigation aids. Feb.-10, Set-2, Q1 tion feelings. The screen can display the various ie
OR choices selected by the user.
Discuss the goals of website navigation. Q16. Explain different kinds of menus.
(Refer Onty Topic: Navigation Goals) Answer : Model Paper-ll, Q4J)

The different kinds of menus are as follows,

Answer : Nov.-10, Set-2, Q2(a)
1. Menu Bars
(a) Navigation Goals Amenu bar can be ssimply called as a"menu""that coa
The goal of good navigation system is toprovide quick of group of tifes arranged The
horizontally at thetopor
screen.

and casy' movement between components. In other words, the higher level graphical menus are often referred as menu in bars,

goal is to provide answer to the following questions of users, which aseries of actions are performed along with theassociate
Where the user is? pull-dowi menu n cach title. For example, file. edit, vies.
Where did the user come from? window, help are default titles of menu bar. A menu bar desigr
and
Where can the user go from the current position? should possess consistency so as to achieve astable, familar

convenient initial point for all interactions to user.

4 What is the quicker way of going there? File Edit View Go Book marks Tools Help
This is called "way fhnding". A good design should not
disorientation.
cause mentaloverload
or feel1ngs of Figure: Menu Bar Conteining Text

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 Windows and Components 73
UNIT-3

provide
Some systcms choiceN of menu bars
hencc Ihey Ccallcd IS menu
wilhin Pull dwn Mens
bulloos m d
butlons or CCde ist of chosces
SelectioD D) a menn bat reta in 4
fron the har
mged vetically benoath the ttle to pulldrwn
uttons.

Vicw |Go
BookurksToots Help lence, they are also knwh as Pll down IHeDus of
drop rnt
atims ) be
Figure: Monu Bar Containing Buttons mCnus. The choces ip mCpo har prUVhe direct
beUmes
petomncd by the user. (Once the choie is selected, it
Certain systems do not have a pull-down nenubars. dimmed or pycd out due to its presence in the wrking
perlomn direct actions wvhen items are placed within nenu but
llhcsc itcms are indicatcd with an exclamation mark ()followed pplicntion,
one
b the nenu bar description. However, the direct ction items A pull-downHenu IDust contain rnorc than
should be avoided as it crcates inconsistency in menu bars and alternative. It is preferable to háve 5 1o f0 choices in the lst
ay resullin errors when selected. Since, they are placed vertically, nore choices with longer
hence
descriptioncan be casily positioned when compared to a nernu
knch primary window should contain a menu bar with bar. Apull-downmcnu's title will he the narne of the rnenu bar
atleast twvo choicesin a pull-down menu. The menu bar should itsclf.
not be turned ofTsince incxperienced users nmay face difficulties File Bookrrarks Toola
View
In remindmg system actions. When pull-dowvn menu items are
New
disabled, the disabled item should be presentcd it
a
depressed Open.
way so that all the choices may be seen in the pull-down Save Parc as. ..
wThis will provide users with learning and understanding Send Link
Page sctup.
capabilities of system. Print Prcvicw
Print.....
The pull-down menu items should be clearly described
Quite
in order toindicate the type of choices present in it. The items
ninin a mixed case, single-style words with capitalized
acronyms, abbreviations or proper nouns. The choices in each Figure: Pul-down Menu Representation
onu are not numbered and when multiple-word items are used.
ahyphen is used between themto differentiate from the other Pull-down menus are used with commonly and
s The choices that are not available to the user should not frequently accessed applications on various windows. They are
be displayed. the first-level menus used for small number of items that change
Strengths of Menu Bars
infrequently. The large number of choices cannot be handled
by the pull-down menus instead, cascading menus are used to
Menu bars are obvious touser in recalling their presence. handle them. The textual items are well-suited for the pull-down
They are easy to use and operate.
menus but graphical representations can also be used such as
colors, shades and patterns.
They are presented in aconsistent way to identify easily. Choices contain a mixed case, headline style with
They permit the use of keyboard equivalents. capitalized acronyms, abbreviations or proper nouns. In case
They are clear in visualization and do not obscure the of multiple-choice descriptions, the initial character of the
working cnvironment of screen. most significant word must be capitalized. There is no need for
Weaknesses of Menu Bars
textualdescriptions when choices of a menu bar are displayed
in a graphicat manner. Aputt-own menu îtem should not be
labelled with the same name as menu bar title. The title must
Edges of screen space are consumed.
reflectall the available items in the pull-down menu. The content
Menu bars are difficult to find since they require the of items should not be changed by using shift-key since they
user's view to look away from the working environment. areerror-resistant and used for key accelerators. Also, scrolling
Selection of menu items require pointer movement to be is not necded in case of pull-down menus.
laken away from the working environment. Strengths of Pull-down Menus
Selection time becomes slow since the menuoptions are Menu bars indicate the presence of pull-down menus.
Small when compared to full-sized buttons.
Pull-down menus are placed in a consistent way on the
Visualizing the menu bars is less efficient. Screen.

Limited number of choices can be displayed. Screen space is not consumed.

Additional steps are required to perform an action. They are easy to use and operate.
Application of Menu Bars They permit both keyboardequivalents and accelerators
Menu bars are used for identifying and accessing to be displayed.
ITequently used applications that are operating on They provide eflicient scanning and grouping.
dillerent windows. More choices can be displaycd in a vertical manner.
SPECTRUM ALL-IN-ONE JOURNAL FOR ENGINEERINGSTUDENTS
74 HUMAN COMPUTERINTERACTION
Weaknesses of Pull-down Menus Strengths of Cascading Menus JNTU-HYOERAR
Pull-down menss require additional steps foLselecting Cascading menus help in reducing the levcls
an item. main mcnus.
To read a pull-down menu item, user's view should be First-letter mnemonies exist since
menus
taken away from the working environment. options. ,conlain lin,
Selection requires thepointer movement to be taken away They are casy t0 usc and operale since
from the working environment except lor the keyboard invisible. sublop
equivalents.
Selection time becomes slow since menu options aro Weaknesses of Cascading Menus
small when compared to fullsized buttons. Accessing submenus require additional
The may hide the actual working environiment. changed pointer movement. steps
Applications of Pull-down Menus Thorough selection is difficult since
Pull-down menus are used for accessing the frequently exist.
hidden alterna
used applications that are operating on different Applications of Cascading Menus
windows.
They are used for limited number of items. Cascading menus are useful for rreducing and
the menu choice levels. simplhiy
They are useful for textual representations.
They are applicable for the infrequently changed items. They are usefulwhen alternatives ofa higher-Ievel
3. can be grouped in a set of related options on a lower.l
Cascading Menus menu.
A cascading menuis asubmenu or alower-level
menu Thekare Iused for short and fixed choice list probet
drawn from a previously higher-level menu such as a
down menu or pop-up menu. They are placed vertically atpull They are useful for fixed set of related choices.
right side of setected previous menu. It can be indicated the
a right-pointing triangle. This indicator helps in the with Cascades are used for avoiding frequent and repeti
of options from choice descriptions by leaving one separation commands.
indicator and choice descriptions are of similarspace. color.
This
The
4. Pop-up Menus
cascaded çhoice should be left highlighting until the cascade Pop-up menus represent a group of
path is cearly visible to the user. vertically within the context of user's task.choice lists arrang:!
Cascading menus reduce the number of choice levels when a user requests for amenu and the mouse
They appear ony
placed on one menu but provides visual confusion to over a designated icon or hot area (for exanmple, apointer is place:
cascade levels should simplify, understand and selectuser. The
a menu or text is considered as a hot area). window borde
item easily. They are used to group all the available choices of pointer, the type of choices are Depending on the post
may utilize a fixed number of related altermatives. The and presented in pop-up mes
which are context sensitive.
menus specify group headings whereas the cascaded menus top-level
specify items themselves. If pointer is positioned over text, the text-spe:t
The cascaded menu's title is the n¡me of
commands are included in pap=up menus. The contextual pUp
selected up menus included in windows are
higher-level menu item from which it cascaes'The number referred as context menus or
of shortcut menus. For example, window
cascading levels should not exceed upto three levels of menù.
Whenever possible, limit their levels to one and when too many represents object operations the formpop-up and icon po
of icons.
levels are derived, additional pull-downs or windows must, Pop-up menus are used for
be
created. Single or multiple choice settings can be established contextual actions. When pointer is frequent,
placed
common
by using a window and the use of traversing cascades containing more than one quality (i.e.. text over an js*
should then actions related to obiects of all and grapni
be removed by using a toolbar. common qualites
be presented. Due to the existing
File Edit View Go Bookmarks Tools Help O state
selected items cannot be displayed. Theof pop-up
an application, sl
menus shout
Toolbars
Navigation Toolbar be displayed unless the
Statusbar Bookmarks Toolbar user makes a choice or
Sidebars > Customize or requests for
removing the pop-up menu. starts aa
|Stop Esc
A pop-up menu
Reload Ctrl+R
of an object. Its should be centered at the right side
Text size location
pointer so that the should be consistent and close to the
Page style mouse pointer can be moved easily acrossthe
Character Encoding D menu options. The positioning of pointer may somettimelead
t0 accidental
selections of
pointer would force thee an action. Due to this, the
location

off the screen, fully pop-up menu partially orfull

on the Screen as to display object. Pointe
should not be moved close to the
Figure: Cascading Menus Representation for fitting a desirablk
position. menu in the most
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 Windows and Components 75
UNIT-3

5 Tear-off Menus
Cut
pull-down menu in its
A tear-ofl menu is similar to a
Copy anywherc on the
characteristics. Pull-down menus can beplaced
Paste
referred as a pushpin,
sCreen for instant rcference. They are also
present all the
detachable and roll-up menu. Their purposc is to
Font. user. Their content
Paragraplh. IrequenIly or infrcquently used choices tothe
Bullets and numbering. should be small in number which are rarely changed.
Strengthsof Tear-off Menus
Hyperlink
Screen space is not consumed.
screen until
Look up. Tear-off menus remain continuously on the
an option is selected.
Synonyms

Translate Weaknesses of Tear-off Menus

Additionalsteps are required for selecting an option.

Figure: Pop-up Menu Ropresentation They may hide the working environment.
Pop-up menus should be restricted to display not more Applications of Tear-off Menus
preferable. When experienced users.
Aon Sto 10 choices but 8 or less options are Tear-off menus are useful for the
Ahoices to be displaycd are huge in number, then cascading infrequently
be
They can They are useful for both frequently and
menus are created to reduce the choice levels. selected items to the user.
wossed casily and prevents visualcluttering to the user. Since menus.
ANOD-up menu is considered as an expert feature
in Microsoft They are useful when used with pull-down
wIndows. a title is not necded on it, but some other graphical 6. lconic Menus
utilization of menu.
nlatforms nced titles that clearly reflect the a graphical
selections mây An iconic menu describes the menu items in
Hence,confusion may be avoided and accidental and hence they can
name should bedifferent or pictorial way. Their icon size is largerfunctions,
te presented by using titles. The title easily remind the users about the available
commands,
or mixed case letters
from the itemdescriptions when upper case should be presented
ae uscd in the headlime style. attributes, applications or properties. Icons
clearly on the screen.
Strengths of Pop-up Menus
working environment.
g Pop-up menus are presented in the
They do not consume screen space. dus yat curuter s tettirgs

when selcetions are

Pointer movement is not needed Adnturwstetbve los
Artkn Cees
done using a button.
grouping.
These menus provide efficient scanning and
B a c p and Rattore Color 43raeTeit

displayed.
They permnit more nenu options to be
DelaProg
Uate a Time

frequently, they remain

When these menus are used
De,ce Maneger

visible to the user.

accelerators are permited
Both keyb0ard equivalents and etsq rte Hoerop

to be displayed. Kev

Weaknesses off Pop-up Menus

The use and presence of pop-up menus requirelearning

and remembering capab1l1tics. must be Figure: lconic Menus Representation

menuS
The devices uscd for selecting pop-up

lcarned and remembered. Strength of lconic Menus

speed and
pop-up menus. Their large size increases the selection
Clhcking on a mouse is required to see the applications.
options are lacilitates in learning and remembering
Sclection lime becomes slow since nenu
Small when comparedto full size buttons. Weaknesses of leconic Menus

Visualizing pop-up menus is less efficient. Consumes more space on scrcen.

their large
They may hide the actual working of screen is difticult because of
environment.
Visualization
Ihe locations of pop--up inenus may be inconsistent.
size.
Auplcation of Pop-up Menus menu options
Require a lot of time and
knowledge lo create meaningful

Pop-up menus are useful for presenting

Whin thc context of uscr's task.
icons.

STUDENTS
ALLAN-ONE JOURNAL
FOR ENGINEERING
SPECTRM
76 HUMAN COMPUTER INTERACTION
Applications of lconic Menus The information about the website, JNTU-HYDERA
lconic menus are useful for creating the icons that, provided to the user through links. The textual
the user in understanding what the document \ink wordin
Help in remembering and specding the selection proccss. letting thc user to know whether the relevant Consists oit
Present menu options very clearly and meaningfully. obtained or not. However it 1S a complicated
task inlomatfor trt,
7. Pie Menus When a large number of flink
the user's attention will be focusednavigation
on the
Apie menu is a circular menu that can be used either with
fromwebsthiete br
apull-down menu or pop-up menu. Researchers found that when content, thereby taking away the attention :
tasks of menu are not related, the circular representations poSsess links. The consistent and predictable
a high performance than the other vertical representations. the user in creating a mental model of navigatIon
the l6.
organization which is easy to understand. website
The following are the guidelines for
New using inks
1. The navigation controls shouldI help the
absence of site context. user tven
Exit Open
2. All navigation controls must be
user when required, ifthe benefits ofreadily availah
Save Close
achieved. They should also be accessed hypermedia
easily and
Print 3. These controls or links must be clearand distir
appearance i.e., they must appear in a ditterent
from the other screen elements because
Figure: Pie Menu Representation page clickm
be tedious and may result in user confusion
Strength of Pie Menus and fnise:
4. Aconsistent appearance, behaviour
All the wedges can be easily reached when
the mouse all the navigation links, toolbars and and functioni:
pointer is positioned at the pie's center. command h
must be provided.
Weakness of Pie Menus Atextual label or description must be
the controls because users find it available w
Keyboard selection is not possible with pie menus. difficult to knos
Application of the Pie Menus purpose and functioning of the graphical images
6. For moving around the web pages,
Pie menus are useful for mouse-driven, short
choice list paths must be used. multiple navig
and important data selections.
Browser Command Buttons
Q17. Write short notes on links and
actions in a web Browsers are used by the users to
page. Dec.-11, Set-1, Q3(a) websites. It can build its own conhmandjinteract with the van
on the browser back and buttons. But. cli
OR forward buttons may cause 1
What are the components of a web confusion because these buttons maytake
navigation the web application. Usually, the user in or c
system? Explain in detail. April/May-08, Set-2, Q5 able to identify the end point inexperienced users may î
OR and the starting point of (location) of the browser cu
What are the components that are used Hence, instead of relyingtheonapplication control and vice
the browser's button. na
in web controls supply some command
navigation system? so that the user can buttons like next and pre
Answer : move within the application.
(Model Paper-4, Q4(b) | Nov.13(RO9), Q5(b) Website Navigation Bars
Navigation links are_created to move among various
websites for exiracting information. These Images News Groups Gmail more
inside a framework ef teols-or controls, links are present
browser's command
buttons, website navigation bars, website command (OR)
buttons and File Edit View
textual phrases. All these somponents are collectively known
Favorites Toos Hep
links. Figure (i): Textual Navigation
Bars
When a link is selected, the related information is
or a file is opened or downloaded. This selection makesdisplayed.
the user
Back Forward
Stop Refiesh Home SeanhFavortes
to go to adifferent location inside the same page or to
another Figure (ii): lconic Navigation
website. Links conprise of textual or binary files when hypertext Bars
was used in computer systems. But, the use of hypertext on he
Format Data
web helps in creating the links using images and text. Hence, the Event Other AlL
term hypermedia was introduced.
Figure (ii): Button
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found guiltly is
LIABLE to face LEGAL proceedings
 WiOws and Components

website navigation bar is similar 77

of an atay of Itextual phrases, icons, lo a menu bar Explicit Menu: An expicit nena cotains a lit f
nandbutlons Ihere are three levcls of graphical images lextual phrase Iinks, which are ussally iocated in a
h as, navigation links toolbar separatcd from the ontent of the weh ae
or Site-wde Links: These Iists cotain inks to the related wehsites n
Global
These type
of links specify website 1opics, ylobal features like help, ste rnap t
ihecmplete scop of the websitc or the
avalable ntormation categories of scarch lacility. Hence, he structure and presertattm tf
the textual phrASe ists is similar to the rneu artays of
Local|Links: These
links refer to the the scICen
n4Vigaon links located inside a specifi area particular (ii)
on thesCreCn
or category Embedded Menu: An embedded rnenu refers to a link
which is present inside the text of the paye. Sone wotds
Minor Links: Thesc links refer lo the or phrases in the content are indicatedas lnks andwhen
jrenthetical links. footnote or sclected, the relevant inforImation about the phrase will
Gkbal be displayed.
(e) Inte ret Expkorer

A varicty of optical mce can be fort for th Wndrus, Mat wAGh

And Linux pltforms and are availabk with ether PW2 n USS phgs
lxal
Lmks Figura (v): Ropresontation of Embedded Link Menu
Both explicit link menus and embedded link menus can
be used in websites.

Mnor
In J995, a comparison was made between three structures
Links to know which structure performed the search task cffhciently.
These structures include, the explicit link listings, the ernbedded
fipure (iv): Locations of Web Navigation Compononts link listings, and mixcd explicit and embedded link listings The
functioning of explicit listings worked better for the search tasks
Ihe tigure(iv) shows that the global links are positioned that were simple and casy, while the functioning of ermbedded
the top of the web page, local links are positioned in a menusworked best for the complexand not fullyknown search
olumnar aray aligned tothe left side ofthe page and the minor tasks. The embedded menus produce finc and accurate search
nks are positioned at the bottom of the web page. These three results but didnot provide the searching cficiency. Herte, the
Inks are placed separately from the page's content, thereby use of mixed explicitlistings and embedded linklistings'during
heijning the usecrin finding cach of these links casily and quickly. the design of the website will fulfill all the requirements of the
Ihe position of the plobal links at the top of the page is site users in an cfficicnt manner.
wlul only when the uscr thinks that the flow of information Graphieal Images or Icons or Command Buttons
nlogal throughout the sereen, If the selection is made from The graphical images or icons or command buttons
ucathen aweb page along with its content is displayed in contain a listwhich is similar to that of a navigation bar, which
ip to bottom fashion, The left-justificd local linkscan also can be individually placed at some significant locations on a
onedat the right side of the page. The right positioning
web page.
makes to be pOsitioned next to the seroll bar
heby achicviny them
common focus of the user's attention onthe Q18. Explain difforent kinds of links in dotail.
d wrcens. The advantage of this approach is that the visual OR
inproved but at the CxpensC of scrcen cfficiency.
by How many types of links aro provided in
is mininized and user confusion is avoided websitos and oxplaln?
ACOnsstentInavigation. Hence, by changing the position
lavipation links, Rreater problems can be
avoided. The (Refer Only Tople: Links wichima Websie)
is
of this vertical positioning of the local links Dec.-11., Set-1, Q3(b)
htcoHunesithea considerable
of
portion
NCreen pixels).
ofthe sereen spuce (i.e.,
Answer :
Links can be broadly classificd into threc categories,
tual Phraws Links within apage
portions of the 2. Links within awcbsite and
lextual phrascs Contain words or small
which are treated as links. External links.
Ihe
followiny,
associated

are the two different structures Links within a Page

lextullphrase links, These links are placed at thetop of a
longpage and are
identificd using a heading or a
symbol. These links are created
Iphot menu and particular page.
) mhedded menu for the important internal data of that

ENGMEERINGSTUDENTS
JOURNAL FOR
SPECTRUM ALANONE
78 HUMANCOMPUTER
Links within a Website a19 Discuss advantayos ard
selection
The follow ng nks are present withinevety pa n
wehsite
AnswerI
() Home Page: Ihis bnk should be preent at each page Advantages of Menu Seleetion
that the user can easly go back to the sites home page
without navigating through a series of weh payes Itreduces the training curve
(i) Global Features Link: Ihis link provides the highest It minimIiZEs key trokes
level of information categories and utilities to users.
including the search faciity It allowstheisaye rf dialy
(ii) Links to Important Pages: Ihese are the links to the
raayenet
Itstructutes decisi rmakig
main pages and nav1gation points Ihis will make nav
gation casy for the users It pruvides suppaort fot ertot handliny
(0v) Links to the Starting Points: Ihs link will take the Disadvantages of Menu Seleetinn
user to the sites expected starting point
(v Links to Back Pages: These links take the user back to involves sevetal fnens which may e
the previous page. Browser's back button also naviyales mplezity of informatim rvertoad
user to thc back pape but it docs not provide infomation IL slows derwn the proces ifi case of
about the destination freqen
(vi) Next Link: This link provides information about the It consumes larye MTeen spae
next page which the use may want to visit. This vwill
clunnate the use of poing back to table of contents or It ues rapd display rate
menu listing 3.2 SELECTION OF WINDOw
(vii) Previous Link: This link returns the user lo the previous
page. This will help the users who are entering into the Q20. What is a window? How many types of w
page Irom another website. For long pages, this Jink is ars available? Explain brisfly.
included at the top of the page Answer (Mdei Pspsr41, Q4b) |De 1.Se
(viii) Links for Related Contents: These links provide
payes Window
that are related to the content. These are also ued when
scarching for the desired inforination in the cases where Awidow in arectanyular shaped reen cleme
user may not get accurate information, but they may by horder which carries information and
yet
information closer to it. Hence, providing such links command
wouldhclp the users to find the desired information. which help intetacting with conputer.
(ix) Links for High Priority Areas: This link drawWs user's Types of Windows
attention to huph priority arcas or important payes, which The follorwing are the different types of windr
the user must sce.
(x) Links for Explanatory Jnformation: Thus link provide Primary window
pages which give background or explanatory infomaton Secondary window
to the user so that they cai casily use he pae. Every
page of the web, should be considered as independent Primary Window
and information should be given clearly Mo that the naive
A primary window AAL Applcauun
uscts can also use the web paye at its full cxtcnt. bal appears on AIELA wher r nal.
(x) Links for Supplemental Inforation: This link provdes suon 1s ihihatel
iApplcalon It is al) krWn as a parent windrw wte
nfomation about he delinitions asd abbrevsatonh. wifHlow EX1St It consssts of meru bars and
(xÁ) Quit or Exit Link: Quit or exit lnk exits thse ubcr from oc ae
OnKos Alop-lcvel context shosld he
the web paye without closing the browser Dis link exits child windrws which pruwded
the upplicaton by saving the chanyes made to it in the widow is sre dependable Afrarmewotk pre

3 External Links
wed for accessing dilerent
data
These Iinks (ke the user to the relevant webslte and
Informatlon sources. Pay wILdrwsahnuld present
0t apphsatienis akg
Informational Sites: hee tye of rka take the uer wor with the depenent windrw
iploonatiol ources related othe web paye bewy vewod
ihdependent funtis and p:ats, toitrol hat,
clalet hurc
() See Also Link: Ths link opens the page with the desired should s avtlei A
nfomation separatcly othat the tlow of the dsplayed pfsinaty widow IR consleted as the
the
pages will not get nterrupted

WARNING: XeroxPholocopying of this txkis aCRIAIIAL at ytre snd guity is

1LIABLE f1C
O
 WinwS and Compnents 79

\Hesl Serendary Wiadows: Ihey ho allow ther

nleract with the wher deendent wineOws They re
aog
man N d d sren unless the current
and a t sa r m p e t .Aler compietn, the mdal
alg res cn emord om the rren
Modeke Sendary Wîndews: Ihey alkow navgatxon
wh the her dakr In and errm tasks when a

Loeans Ee as

Figure Primary Windew àg t ne ierves

man wndows arr ueful in displaying the tequently

WOW Omponents nd controk

They ar ueul tor the trqently sd menu uite

The ar us fr the dependable window onk
They are useful for representing the frequently niat
ntirmation such as date and time

They ar useftul fo presenting tramewort fir the othe

dnntable windows
Seoadary Windows
Snen windows are omplementar windows which
n atitonal reprsentation ot apomary window They
rhr deendent or independent on primary windowY Their
rSsimilar to aprimary window Snd they etain the Figere Sa0ary Nindee
tnoontros Sondar windoS can exst in the ol Applicatiens
wng fims
Dependent Secondary Windows: hey ar vnsiderd
S COmmon bpes of prmar widows and heNN ca
isplvNiunths ommadS of &primay windw
Iey mainly consst ofa single cata obitand is wad
the top of windowN when the user erfoms an xtn
primary window. Both seroling and movngca T r Y aying t rard Y Nnt\
ttlitaes are jisoalT with the sondarn witws and
heneeeett the henu b oaprimn sÁw s Dpesef S a a rWiadews
t Mostly, the tasks can be ompletd wth the kpot
plesondary Windows Ihe depNndent svvatary (al Dakg Beves
*ENWs are closed and hidden when theit NN
hmar Windous are closdand hidden
Independent Secondary Windows: Ihev arr ndeen-
tot prmary winduws andbence the stalconary Ihey are Ndawa the xher wN0'tcan N
dowsisno Onsiderd unul a cear relathshipXisS
etwen them. A
sondary window is ot arrarrudas an (mths n n a h w N t n w N N H O U
ntn h3 on the task har control. Ihe size osintry
ndow should not be more than 6 diakg units 6
al units. ExampBes include a prorty sheet n whch
heuset chcks the commands of adesktop menu.
ENGINEERNG STUDENTS
SPECTRUM ALLHN-ONE JOURNAL FOR
 HUMAN COMPUTER INTERACTION
80

Open Surt Text foporfe

(JNTU-HYOERA:
Dck (c)
Sort by Type
levEl4
Paragraphs Text

Figure: Property Inspector

Onts d Settr
Atool bar or a palette window creates a
ATREII0
tor in order to configure and display the object propeny
reato
example, a drop-down list control is included inprotpenhe
inspector to viewand select tthe names of entire
Iree ing it down, which is shown in the figure above.objecstThey
Fsof yoe Fles (* *) Cancel done in the property inspector must be dynamic, that
Figure: Dialog Box user selects a property in the control box. the value of th the
property should also be changed.
(b) Property Sheets and Property Inspectors
(c) Message Boxes
Properties include the image and name of a particular A message box displays a message about the
icon that is used 4o identify an object on desktop. The two situation. It is considered as a secondary Window in wh.
properties associated with secondary windows are, sponses or choices are offered in the form of command
H Property sheets and The most commonly used command buttons are.
Ai) Property inspectors. (i) OK Button: It provides an acknowledgment wte
) Property Sheets: property sheet is considered as a choices are required for a particular button.
modeless secondary window that presents the complete (ii) Cancel Button: It ia used to restore the prOcessm
set of properties of a particular object. The user can current task.
access. view but cannot edit the properties. For clas
sification of various properties, a tabbed property page (ii) Help Button: It provides additional informatot :
technique is used outside the tabbed page where different message box.
properties are set in a separate page or window. Common (iv) Stop Button: It is used to abort the current running
command buttons such as OK, Carncel and Apply are
used to change and apply the property values to windows. (v) Yes and No Buttons: They require the decision
user whether to continue atask or not.
Display Properties
Frror Renamirg File or Folder
Themes Desktoo Sueern Savet Appea ance Seltng:
Cannot ename Hanee Khan; AFle hthe name vou soecfed sedy ensts. Specfy tsert *

Figure: Message Box

(d) Palette Windows
Settng: Prevew
Palette windows include a set of images, colos
10 m¯es 0niue. passwad prodect
terns displayed in a window. They are considered as miu
Mor#
Secondary windows that differentiate visually with the
lo dust rnantor power settngs and save enegy. windows. Apalette window consists ofa short title an
ca Powes
button at the top of as shown in the figure below.
Poweet

Tool palette X
Cancel Appy

Figure: Property Sheet

(ii) Property Inspectors: The commonly or frequently
used properties are included in a property inspector.
They are displayed with the help of adynamic viewer or
browser and presents the current selection of properties
to user. Though property sheets are modeless, they'are
considered as modal since the property of an objectdoes
Hence,
not change when the user selects another object.
different from property sheets.
property inspectors are Figure: APalette Wiadow
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 Windows and Components 81
U N I T - 3

The size of palette windows can be fixed or resizable. The windovw can be resized when the pointer image is changed to
siz of pointer and when a size
itto
the command is placed in the shorteut
mke Pop-up W i n d o w s menu.
Pop-up windows are used to change the presentation style of windows. Other pop--up menus can contain additional or
omexlualinformation in the fom of tool tips and balloon tips along with the context-sensitive help information. They do not
and buttons.
-title bars

Move
Siee
Momee

Al-f4
Qobod

Figure: A
Pop-up Window
M Write short notes on components of windows. (Model Paper-il, Q4(b) | Nov.-10, Set4, Q4(b))
OR
Define the following with respect to window,
(a) Menu bar (b) Status bar
(c) Scroll bar (d) Tool bar
(") Split box () Command area
(9) Size grip (h) Work area.
Answer : Aug/Sep. 08, Set4, Q5
Wndow Components
Window contains some components that are located in the different positions to provide consistency. However inconsisten
Gs may arisein the location of components between various systems. They can be identified by diferentiating them with respect
name, graphic images or icons. The following are some ofthe window components.
Tite bar

Wixdow
Title bar
ICon
Hameed Khan, brnp -Paint sizing
Ele Edt View Image Colors Help buttons
Menu bar

Tool bar Command/

cient area

Frame
Scroll
bars

For ftelp, dck Help Topics an the Help Menu. 233, 119
Status bar
Siz grp
Figure: Window Components
SPETRUM AAN-ONE JOURNAL POR ENGINEERINO STUDENTS
82 HUMAN COMPUTER INTERACTION
1 Frame: Generally, a frame or border in window cxists
in a rettangular shape since most of the peoplc preter
8. Scroll Bar: Ascroll bar is an [JNTU-elongatHYOERed
slide boxthatIconsists ofarows s al rer
it. This shape is usd to deinc the borders and also to vicwthe entirc information each cnd hA
diflerentiate it trom the other windows. Frames are best ing is of two types,
present in:
suited for the textual materials since they are read from
H Horizontal scrolling and
lett to right. Ihe bonders of frame consists of athick and
colored line tn order to identify the window type that is Vertical scrolling.
being displayed. Windows contain cdges as borders of Ahorizontal scrolling has scroll bar
screen. In case of resizable windows, some control points
are present whereas in non-resizable windows, border of working environment and a placed
athe
scroll bar placed at the right sidevertical
and ciges are seen together in a synchronized manner. of scrolirg
Title Bar: Atitle bar is located at the top, extreme left or ment. working
right end of windows The titles are placed inside the bor 9 Split Box: Asplit boxkis located
ders of window along with an extension of its total width. the left of a vertical or horizontaleither above ot
They are atso referred as caption, caption bar or title area. for splitting the window into two or Scroll bar.li s
A descriptivetitle is used to recognize the purpose of win examining and seeing multiple views of amore obje:
dow and control buttons are used to resize a window and boxes can also be referred as split bars ian
to retneve the menu of a system. The title bar provides a areas are referred as parnes. where .
control point and an access point for moving the position
of window and for using the related commands of window. 10. Tool Bar: Tool bars are des1gned to disnla .
3. Title Bar lcon: A title bar has a title bar icon that choices, panels or commands which can he .
located at the lefi edge in a primary window. When this quickly. They can also be referred as command
icon is clicked with mouse, a pull-down menu of com can be fixed or variable in their position. Some .
mands is displayed and when selected, the commands ized tools bars can be referred as ribbons, toi.
are applied to the objects in 'window. The icon is of size palettes or rulers.
16 x 16 icón VerS0On.
4. Resizable Buttons: Resizable buttons are minimize,
11 Command Area: A command area represents :
maximize, restore and close buttons. These buttons where the necessary commands are typed on a
It is located at the bottom of awindow
are placed at the top right edge of title bar in order to or justx
horizontal scroll bar or above the message area
manipulate the window size. The minimize button is
designated by ashort horizontal line placed at the bot-^Size Grip: Asize grip is designated by the thret
tom of the button. It hides the associated window The parallel lines, which are located at the botton
maximize button is designated by a large box and is used edge of window. When the grip is dragged. tL
to enlarge the maximum size of window. The the window to be resized with the same convent
restore
button is designated as a pairof overlapping boxes and the window sizing borders. If a status bar is incie
it restores the previous size of window. A close button a window, then the grip is located at the right u
is designated by x, which is used to close the window. the bar.
5. What's This? Button: The What's this? buton can be
13 Working Environment/Area:
located at the top right edge of title bar or beside the left
of close button on secondary windows and dialog boxes. The working environment is an area of screen ta
It is designated by a question mark, which provides the SiSts of menu bars, scroll bars or message bars
contextla help about the objects.In a primary window, this open place inside the borders of window wher:
command Is available in helpmenu and include buttons and performs severaltasks. It may alsoconsist of cas
commands on tool bar aad pop-up menu, respectively. customized forms like text boxes. list boxes or
wha's This? sheets. The working environmet also refe:
Figure: Symbol of What's This? Button user's area or a client area.
6. MenuBar: Amenu bar is located just below the title bar. Q22. Discuss briefly about window operatoi
It is placed in a Horizontal manner and contains a list of
Dec.-11, Se:4.
items for displaying the menu options on a pull-down
menu when selected.
OR
7 Status Bar: A status bar is located either at the top or
bottom location of sereen. Microsofîi, usually displays the Explain various window operations.
information at the bottom of window. This information Answer : (Model Paper-4, Q5(b) | Aug- Se.
or message is regarding the current state of the window.
Astatus bar is also referred to as a status area, message Window Operations
area or message bar that can also be used to define the The following are the operations that are
highlighted menU and control items. window.

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 and Components
Windows
NIT-3 83
Opening a
Window: Windows are represcnted
in the form 6.
Window ShufHing: Shufll1ng of windows must be casily
oficons along withtheir associated text. When a window
Is opened, it isconsidered as an active window. A window performed in few steps Onenethod ofwindow shufMing
shouldd be adjustedin such a way that it is cqual to the size Is to allow toggling of the fwo windows hat are uscd
and shapc offmonitor. Itis placed inthe most recently. Another method is to allow a fast shuff1ng and
forward planc
of screenandlalso against a neutral Ibackgroundto focus the interchanging of a font window wIth back window.
attention of user. The title bar of windows must always be 7. Resizing a Window: The size of primary windows can
Visible to the user. An opened primary window is locatcd at be resizable when a fixed information is placed in it lo
thetop of the screen where secondary windows are located determine whether the resizing of window Is done suc
at the top of its primary window. The primary window and cessfully, the pointer's shapemust be changed. Windows
per windows offan opened secondary window must also cm beresized from the lower-rightcorner and to position
be located at the top of the screen.
awindow, it should be placed in the upperJeft corner
Resizing is also allowed from any point on the window
Sizing a Window: Large windows provide all the re- The movement of changed window follows the movement
Jated and expected information of a particular task. The of pointer and when the cntire window cannot be resized.
important information is always visible to the user and then the outline of window is displayed by leaving t in ts
annot be hidden whcn large windows are used. They previous location. As the size of window is changed, the
aNOJddifficulty and confusion in determining data. Also, data and image size presentecd in it should also be changed.
they require less amount of _crolling. When a window is 8. Keyboard Control/Mouseless Operation: The tasks
10o large, then determinewhether the related information inwindows can be operated with the help of kcyboard
s displayed or required by the user. Otherwise, small and mouse. The use of nnemonic codes will incrcase
windows are used in which 12 lines of text and 7 lines the user's learning capabil1ties ofkeyboard alternatives.
of alphanumeric information cari be displayed. The user provides flexibility since the designations of
keyboards can be modified by the user.
Placing a Window: Windows are placed in such a way
that they should beentirely and clearly visible to the user. 9 Closing a Window: Windows can be closed in the fol
When a window is opencd again, then itmust be restored lowing situations.
to its last position. A new window should be placed at the ) When the user requests for it
viewer's point or at the pointer's location.It shouldnot (ii) When the tasks are completed and
hide the important or related information on screen and (iii) When there is no relation with the tasks teing pertonned
its position should be set in such a way that navigation The secondary windows are closed along with the
between windows can be done easily and conveniently. primary windows. Before, closing a windovw, the cur
In multiple windows, each window should be located in rent state, size andposition of it must be saved for use.
When this window is opened again, then it appcars in
its own unique way of presentation but cascading presen
lations are recommended. Otherwise, center a secondary its original size, state and position.
window horizontallywithin its primary window. 10. Other Operations: Primary windows allownaximizing.
minimizing and restoring of windows.
Dialog boxes are placed at the center of screen so that Maximizing a Window: The size of window Is
entire information is visible, When a dialog box calls ()
increased upto a large optimum size.
another dialog box, then 'the new dialog box can be only
moved. (ii) Minimizing a Window: The sieof window is
reduced to its smallest size.
Separating a Window: Separation of window compo
hents is critical in the graphical environment since they (iii) Restoring a Window: The size ofthe window is
are restored to its prcvious size, which can cither bea
COnlain aspatial layer. The boundaries of a windowback- maximized or minimized size.
displayed pleasingly,. crisply and clearly from its
grOund on which it appears. Asolid line is used to draw Q23. Discuss various window managemont
methods.
s boundary so that the window can be seen separately
Model Paper-l, Q6(a)
Answer :
against the screen background. Also, compatible colors Window Management
can be chosen to give a lighter shade to window and
that
a drop Severalwindow management methods are devcloped
brighter shade to screen. In graphic windows, effectiveuse of application. Some ofthem are
shadow or an outline is included underneath cach window. are used for most
as follows,
can be
Moving a Window: The position of windows
changed Single-document lnterface
changed by user. Themove
lo know whether the
pointer's shape must be
selectionis successfully done.
1.
suthcicnt to create a Single
The movement of complete window follows the pointer
Asingle pçimary wDdow is objects in it ure presented
Document Interlace (SD) since
the
moved, or set ofsecondary
document. A
novement 1f theof complete window cannot be as asingle unit such as a
folder
objccts in the
Ihen the outline window is moved by leaving it in its
windows are used to
view he information of
window
peviouIS position. Also, allow the movement of primary window.
Is not activated STUDENTS
JOURNAL FOR ENGINEERING
SPECTRUM ALLIN-ONE
 HUMAN COMPUTER INTERACTION
84

Strengths Applications
[UNTU-HD
Single-document interace is mostly used method.
Multiple views of an object cannbe see
Comparison of data can be done
The manipulations performed on a single-document windows
interface are less confusing and easy to understand. They are best-suited for the similar
It adopts a data-centered technique. Tbe objects and their windows can
Weakne cach other while performing a task be se
3 Workbooks
The information presented in primary windows is
Aworkbook is a window
changed or displayed in different or separate windows. managemeTl Debg
sists of a primary window instead of a child
Applications for viewing a set of objects presented in the fo
SDI is useful for the simple and one-to-one relationship Tabs are used as navigation interface so that sa
between objects and windows. various sections can be performed. They should
such a way that the environment of pprimary
It is useful for a single unit of objects. suited and also to categonze the presented infowd
It is used to see multiple information with the help of a Strengths
control that permits diferent views. Workbooks allow gbuping of xtivihes
It facilitates the use of multiple views of an object The actual screen environment is not con
simultaneously with the help of panes. They are easy to understand snce child wi
2 Multiple-document Interface considered.

AMultiple-documentnterfaee fMDI) is atechnique that They posses certain capsbilities of MDIL

consists ofa set of multiple documents. Here, the documents are Weakness
opened to view intormation about objects and to use multiple Muliple views cannot be seen simukanes
VIews simultaneously. It also contains a single primary window
called as a parent window and a set of related documents Applications
called as child windows. Child windows must appear withìn a Workbooks are useful for msnaging muiiF
parent window and the operational components of the parent an object.
window are also shared by the child windows. The components They are best-suited for the applicatics
of the parent window can be changed dynamically so that the
commands and attributes of an active child window are reflected navigation of multiple views is done quickl
at that time. They are used for an environment where the
of sections is necessary.
Strengths
Projects
MDI consumes less amount of screen space since the
Aproject contains a primary window but doe
components of parent window are shared by child win child windows within it The primary windows whitE
dows. with the parent windows, contain a set of cbjecs
Huge collection of objects can be maintained. opened. The opened primary windows do notshare m
parent window regions since theycontain theit oWI
It allows grouping of activities. and nterlace components. However, each peer chi
Weaknesses must be listed on a task bar.
The child windows do not contain any security level for Strengths
the secondary window. Due to this, windows relationship Projects allow grouping of activities.
remain unclear and probably confusing to the user. They maintaintertain capabilities of MDI.
It is difhcult to maintain the context of a parent window The ordering of windows provide flexibility
because it doesn't contain any ob<ect. Weakness
The trainee users face difhculty in learning an MDI Complexity increases when the peer prujetw
appication since the iles and theit windows have false are difticult, to differentiate from the other
relatjonship between them. windows.
Limiting the child windows to the parent window may Applications
lead to inconsistency. Projects are useful for managing aset of objas
the primary window.
The child windows are difficult to be differentiated ina
nrimary window because of their nested nature. They are useful when there are no child vwindows
the
primary window.
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UNIT-3
Windows and Components
85

D24.
Explain the characteristics of windows.
AnsWer : Nov.-10, Set-4, QAla)
Wimdow 2
The characteristics of a window are listed below.
Tied windows
Title: All windows are provided with their name or Window I
title
identify it. The title of the window is displayed
fwindow called title bar. It helps thcon user
the WIndow 3
top most part
of
oidentify the active working window.
Figure (i): Representation of Tiled Windows
Example: The paint window is provided with paint" Advantages of Tiled Windows
as its name on title bar.
Eunction: The function of a window refers to the task The decisions required for positioning the windows are
eliminated as the system itself helps in allocating and
or application for which it has been developed. positioning the windows for the user.
Erample: Thenotepad window is developed for typing 2. Open windows are obvious to the user atall times thereby
text. climinating the chance of losing them.
Size: Height and widthconstitute the size of a window. 3. The entire window is visible to the user at all times,
It can vary. thereby eliminating the chance of in formation from be
4. Location: Location of a window refers to the ing hidden.
environment boundary in which it can be displayed. 4.
Tiled windows are seen to be less complicated than
Visibility: It refers to be to the segment or window that overlapping windows snce only few management
can be viewed, as in some cases, the content of window is operations are performed in them.
beyond its visible part. Also, a window may be partially 5. They can be easily learned and used by the novice or
or fully hidden behind another window. inexperienced users.
6. State: It shows whether a window is active or deactive. A 6. The tasks cn be easily completed because the data
window is accessible only ifit is in active state whereas requires only fewer window manipulations. Hence, the
in deactive state it cannot be accessed. performance of the user for completing the tasks also
gets enhanced.
1.
Appearancé: It reflects the arrangement of attributes
of a window. The presentation of a window may be Disadvantages of Tiled Windows
cascading, overlapping or tiled. 1. It the area of the screen is less, only limited number of
Highlight: Highlight of window indicates the part of windows can be displayed.
window that is selected. 2 The size or position of the opened or closed window
9
Management: It has all the management capabilities gets changed. This movement of windows can distract
and provides methods to manipulate the window on the the user's attention.
SCTeen. 3 When more number of windows are displayed on the
e. Distinguish between the tiled windows, screen, the size of the windows get smaller.
Overlapping windows and cascading windows 4. The variations in the window's size and position by
the
and explain' how a particular style can be system are hard to be predicted.
picked. April/May-08, Sét-3, Q5 Tiled windows are visually crowded and
OR This is because of the window borders whichcomplicated.
are flushed
against each other. Also, tiled windows oceupy the entire
Discuss about the pressentation styles of a Screen.
window.
6. fborders of windows include seroll bars or control icons.
Answer : Dec.-11, Set-2, Q8(a) 3then crowding appears to be more noticeable, thereby
Tiled Windows
distracting the users from the data and focusing onto the
Tiled windows border.
dows.
9f The are the first and traditional type of win-
name of tiled windows is derived from the wall tile 7 Limited user control is provided since thec system itsell
commnon
he
screen andfloor. These windows appear in a single plane on handles the entire window management
operations.
txpanded or contracted
depending upon the requirement. They can be
so as to fill up the display space. Mostly,
Overlapping Windows
TWo-dimensional
heiuht and width tiled windows that can be adjusted in' both
ytems which are used by the systems. But, there are certain
Overlapping windows are positioned on top of onc an
other, like the papers kept on a table. Usually, systeus provide
Med windows are less powerful and use only three-dinensional overlapping windows. These windows appear
or one dimensional in diflerent planes on the screen. The plan, s1Ze and posito o
ecion). (1.c., windows that can be adjusted oaly in one
windowS can be controlled byusers which are mostly used by
systems.

SPECTRUM ALL-IN-ONE 30URNAL FOR ENGINEERING STUDENTS

 INTERACTION
86
HUMAN COMPUTER
[JNTU+HYDERARA
Wmdov 2
Overlapping
Windows

Wndow

Wmdow 3
Window 4

Fiqure (ii)l: Representation of Cascading WindoWe

Figure (iü): Representation of Overlapping Windows
Advantages of Cascading Windows
Advantages of Overlapping Windows
Every window is visible to the user at all times
1 Overlapping windows appear in a 3-D manner.
2 During cascading, it is very easy to display the d
As greater control is provided by the system where all window.
the requirements of the user during the organization of
windows are met. 3 The representation of cascad1ng windows is yiop
simple and clear.
3 Windows are capable of maintaining large and consistent
sizes and consistent positions. 3.3 SELECTION OF DEVICE-BASE
4 Alot of screen space isconserved, since windows are CONTROLS
positioned on top of each other.
QZ6. What are the device-based controls? Discs
The windows that are currently not in use can be closed how to select proper device-based controls
easily.
6
Dec.-14/R091
They visually appear as less crowded and less com
plicated. Since larger borders surround the window OR
information, the window appears more obvious to the Discuss how to select the proper device-bas
user. Also, the size of the windows can be increased to
controls. Nov./Dec.-12(R09), 2S
fll the complete screen display.
OR
7 The tasks can be easily completed because the data
requires only fewer window manipulations. Hence, the What are the guidelines for selecting the pros
performance of the user (for completing tasks) also get device-based control? Explain in detail.
increased.
Answer : Feb.-10, Ser4
Disadvantages of Overlapping Windows Device-based Controls
1. Overlapping windows are highly complicated in terms
Devices-based controls to be
to communicate with the systemmakes the various des. user
of its operation when compared to tiled windows. Also, through
a greater user attention and window manipulations are
needed for huge number of control functions. which are often called as input devices. Now a days.c
pointing devices are used by the graphical system for enhus
2. When the information in window appears behind other communication
widows, it can be obscured and unclear to the user.
Guidelines for Selecting Proper Device-based Contrub
3. When windows appear behind the other windows, they
can be lost. The following guidelines must be considered
ing proper device based
4. Overlapping windows that represent a three-dimensional 1,
controls.
space is not realized by the user at all times. Task Related Principles
(i) The text entry and manipulation tasks mustbe er
5. The control freedom property leads to visualization
complexity. When several windows are opened or in from keyboards.
properly set then the results might be confusing to the (ii)
Keyboards should also be used while moving
user.
structured arrays.
Cascading Windows (iii) Various pointing devices such as mouse. joystick
Cascading windows are the special typeof overlapping ball, touchscreen etc., should be used whileperti
above the other the graphical tasks. These devices must besimple
windowS which are placed in series one and casy to
use.
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 Windows and Components
NIT-3
87
should be provided when.
screen
Touch
of 0cCurrencc Is
Q27. Give the guidelines for the pointer.
The possibility mnimum. Answer :
(
(b)
Tareets are huge, arbitrary and scattered The guidelines for pointer are,
Aminimum Irequency is used. The ponter should be always clear tothe user and should
differ with its background location.
d Desk space 1s necessary. 2 The size of pointer should be maintained across every
Ashort input text is available
(c) location of screen andduring the pointer mnovement.
l'ser Related Principles 3
The position of pointer should be simple and clear to
The users should be capable of selecting the device View and locate.
4
precisely. The pointer's position should be changed easily.
The pointer should be positionedat all times by the user.
G They must be capable of' accessing the device 6 The pointer's shape should satisfy the follow ing
controls easily and conveniently. properties,
i They should be comfortable with the standard (i) The intent of pointer should be clearly defined arnd
keyboard functions. used in the relevant context.
(i) They must be convenient with the preferable (ii) The already available shapes must be used for
devices. constructing pointer.
Environment Related Principles (iii) Nonew shapes should be given to the predefined
functions.
The selected device should be well-suited in the
7 Limited number of shapes must be used to notify the user
working environment.
about the pointer's location and level. Excess number of
(iY Working environment should be large when desk shapes may confuse the user.
space is needed. 8 During the movement of pointer, a short time should be
4 Hardware Related Principles provided before performing unnecessary changes.
9 Pointer's animation should not confuse the user and limit
fhe selected device should be capable of performing all
the important tasks. For example, a joystick capable of the user's capability of interaction with system.
moving its cursor in all the directions. Q28. Explain the various device-based controis.
OR
Application-oriented Principles
State and explain the advantages and
The device should be well-suited for the application in disadvantages of graphic tablet, joystick, track
Use.
ball and light pen. MaylJune-13(R09), Q5
Flexibility Related Principles (Refer Only Topics: Graphic Tablet, Joystick, Trockball.
9 When task vary with user's requirement, fiexibility Light Pen)
should exist within an application. OR
1) The use of more than one device must help What are the advantages and disadvantages of
the user keyboard?
to select choices efficiently in performing certain Apri/May-08, Set4, Q5(a)
tasks. (Refer Only Topic: Keyboard)
OR
) Keyboard and pointing device should play
an important role in improving the task Discuss the guidelines for mouse usage,
performance. keyboard usage.
Keduction of Eve and Hand Movements (Refer Only Topics: Mouse, Keyboard)
Answer : (Model Paper-4, Q5(a) | Nov.JDec.-12(RO9), Q5(b))
Tne use of multiple devices must reduce the Various devices-based controls are as follows,
movements of eye and hand. 1. Trackball
Whenever possible, the tasks must be structured Trackball is an input device which consists of a ball
So that the user remains in only one
working that moves in alldirections within its socket. The
environment. movement is
done with the help of fingertips. The direction path and speed
fiwy good typist should perform 3to 8keystrokes for of trackball are detected and converted into
cursor movement
Cdcn movement between a kevboard and across the screen. For Cxample, in video games or in 3-D
mouse. environments, trackballs are used for navigational control
general, one device should perform more than because these tasks require afine movement of cursor rather
R0% of the
tasks. than achieving a good target.
SPECTRUM ALLHN-ONE JOURNAL FOR ENGINEERING STUDENTS