What is the windowing system in HCI?

In human-computer interaction (HCI), a windowing system is a graphical user interface (GUI) that allows multiple software applications or documents to be displayed simultaneously on a single screen.

Windowing systems are an essential component of modern operating systems, allowing users to work with multiple applications at once in a multitasking environment. They also provide a convenient way to switch between different tasks and to organize information visually.

One of the most commonly known interfaces within windowing systems is WIMP (Windows, Icons, Menus, Pointer). It is a popular style of user interface design for desktop computers.

WIMP

WIMP was popularized in the 1980s and 1990s, and it remains one of the most widely used interface paradigms for desktop and laptop computers. The WIMP interface is characterized by four key graphical elements:

1. Windows: A window is a rectangular area on the screen that displays the contents of an application, such as a word processor application or a web browser. It can contain text, icons, images, and graphics. Multiple windows can be displayed on the screen simultaneously, and users can resize, move, minimize, maximize, and close windows as needed. Windows have scrollbars functionality, making it easier to scroll through long documents or contents that cannot fit in a single window area. The functionality of minimizing and maximizing windows was very frequent, so it was made built-in style because of its frequent use.

Some of the Windows functionalities are shown below:

2. Icons: An icon is a small graphical symbol that represents an application, a file, a folder, or a device. Icons are typically displayed on the desktop or in a file manager, and users can click an icon to launch an application or open a file or folder.

3. Menus: A menu is a list of commands or options that are displayed on the screen when a user clicks on a menu bar or a context menu. Menus are used to access an application’s various features and settings, such as File, Edit, View, and Help.

4. Pointers: A pointer is a graphical symbol, such as an arrow or a hand, used to interact with the interface. Users can move the pointer around the screen using a mouse or a touchpad, and they can click, double-click, right-click, and drag to perform various actions, such as selecting text, opening a file, or resizing a window.

The WIMP interface is designed to be intuitive and easy to use, and it allows users to interact with applications in a familiar and consistent way. Users can switch between applications and perform multiple tasks at the same time, and they can customize the interface to suit their preferences and needs.

Benefits of windowing systems

• Optimize the utilization of display area.

• Use multiple sources simultaneously to accomplish a task, such as opening multiple windows at a time.

• The windows provide visual and textual information to facilitate various interactions. For example, the icons on the desktop have pictures and their name under them.

• Protect users from the complexities of command languages by enabling specification through pointing and selecting, since we do not need to use complex commands or programming languages to carry out a task.

• Establish a consistent interface across numerous applications to enhance the learning curve for new users.

However, the WIMP interface has some limitations, particularly regarding its suitability for mobile devices and touch-based interfaces. As a result, newer interface paradigms, such as touch-based gestures and voice commands, have emerged to address these limitations and provide new ways for users to interact with their devices and applications.