Interface Design Interface design is the design of the interface between the user and the system. For software ergonomics, interface design mostly concerns the design of the interface between the computer software and the user. Interface design includes the design of the dialog (by which the user is guided by the system), design of the inputs that can be made by the user and responses (outputs) provided by the system. Dialog types include: Command dialogs - in which sequences of instructions are provided by the user to the system which, when processed, result in associated system actions. Menu dialogs - in which the dialog system visually presents one or more groups of options to the user, the user chooses one or more options, and the computer executes the desired process denoted by the option(s). Dialog boxes and form-filling dialogs - in which the user fills-in, selects entries for, or modifies labeled fields on a "form" or a dialog box presented by the system. Direct manipulation dialogs - in which the user directly acts on objects on the screen; e.g., by pointing at them, moving them and/or changing their physical characteristics (or values) via the use of an input device. Question and Answer dialogs - in which the computer asks a question and the user enters a response. Subsequent questions are influenced by the user' response. Each of the different dialog types imposes particular considerations concerning input and output requirements that must be taken into account during design. Synergetic Applications has considerable experience in interface design and can help you design the user interface for your software application. Please contact Dr. Williams (ergojim@synergeticapplications.com) for more information on how we might help you.