Used in many applications, both generic and specialist, in order to provide easy access to the software. Menus allow the user to see what options they can do at a glance. They tend to be groped together in logical sections such as File operations, edit operations and tools. A user simply has to use the mouse in order to select a option. Menus help to break down large information systems so information can be found quickly and efficiently. This is especially useful when the user is not confident with IT.

Come text based systems will be menu driven. Although not as intuitive as a full blown graphical interface having a text based menu will help a less experienced user. For example installing windows uses a menu driven interface. Mobile phones also use a menu driven interface.

Example menu based-Text based version

Main features

• Menu tends to show all the main activities which the system can perform.
• Tends to be found on small electronic devices (such as a MP3 player or a mobile phone)
• Will have sub-menus to allow the user to access all of the functionality
• More commonly used items will be found nearer the top of the menu structure.
• Will not be very flexible. Some tasks will not be made available through the menus
• Mostly aimed at novice users however it does depend on the type of system. For example installing windows is not aimed at the novice user.