Context-sensitive User Interface

Context-sensitive User Interface

A context sensitive user interface is one which can automatically choose from a multiplicity of options based on the current or previous state(s) of the program operation.Context sensitivity is almost ubiquitous in current graphical user interfaces, usually in the form of context menus. Context sensitivity, when operating correctly, should be practically transparent to the user.

For example:

Clicking on a text document automatically opens the document in a word processing environment. The user does not have to specify what type of program opens the file under standard conditions.

The same methodology applies to other file types e.g.:

• Video files (.mpg .mov .avi etc.) open in a video player without the user having to select a specific program.
• Photographic and other image files (.jpg .png etc.) will open in a photo viewer automatically.
• Program files and their shortcuts (i.e. .exe files) are automatically run by the operating system.

The user-interface may also provide Context sensitive feedback, such as changing the appearance of the mouse pointer or cursor, changing the menu color, or with applicable auditory or tactile feedback.