Graphical user interfaces: Principles, realisations and trends

The development and employment of graphical user interfaces in order to support work with the computer is one of the key factors for the success of interactive applications on a wide range of platforms. This paper discusses the basic concepts of human-computer interaction as well as the user interface design and development styles and tools. A classification model is presented in order to illustrate the relationship between classical two-dimensional user interfaces and emerging modern interfaces. Multimedia and virtual reality interfaces, as two novel user interface paradigms, are then discussed in detail.