Other Interface Styles

Not every device is used with a keyboard and mouse. Other interface styles change how you give instructions to a computer, so you can interact by touching, moving or speaking.

Touch control

Touch control uses taps, swipes and pinches on a touchscreen. You choose an option by touching it directly, so there is no separate pointing device. It is common on phones and tablets, and on information kiosks such as a touchscreen in a museum that lets you find out about an exhibit. The screen still shows options to choose, but your finger replaces the mouse.

Gesture and voice control

Gesture control recognises hand or body movements, usually with a camera or motion sensor. Some games consoles use it so you can play by swinging your arm, and some smart TVs use it so you can raise a hand to pause a programme without searching for the remote.

Voice control recognises spoken commands. It is useful when your hands are busy, such as asking a smart speaker to set a timer while you are cooking, and it can help someone with limited hand movement to use a device on their own.

Why these styles are used

These interfaces suit devices where a keyboard and mouse are impractical: a phone is too small, a television is across the room, and a console is often played standing up. For example, a garden centre puts a touchscreen by its plant display so customers can tap a picture to check watering advice. A keyboard would take up space and be awkward for customers standing at the display, while tapping a picture is quick and clear.