expression

user interface

the means by which a person controls software

In more detail

the parts of a computer system or software application that allow a person to interact with it, such as buttons, menus, text boxes, and icons

Examples

The software has a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to navigate.

How to use user interface

User interface refers to the visual and interactive elements of software or digital systems that enable human-computer interaction. It is a standard technical term used in computing, design, and software development contexts, often abbreviated as UI. The term is neutral and factual rather than evaluative, though it may be modified with adjectives like intuitive or cluttered to describe quality.

Common phrases

user-friendly interface
intuitive interface
clean interface
interface design
interface elements

Synonyms

graphical user interface · GUI · interaction design · user experience

Word family

interface (noun/verb) · interfacing (gerund) · user-facing

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse user interface (UI) with user experience (UX); UI focuses specifically on the visual elements and controls, while UX encompasses the broader experience of using a product.

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