user interface

IPA/ˌjuːzər ˈɪntəfeɪs/
IPA/ˌjuːzər ˈɪntərfeɪs/

user interface — noun

1. the way buttons, menus, images, and text are arranged on a computer or phone scr

1.名詞B2
釋義

the way buttons, menus, images, and text are arranged on a computer or phone screen so that a person can operate a device or program easily.

例句

Nellie spent two weeks redesigning the user interface of the company website.

collocation: redesign + user interface

A clean user interface with large buttons helps older customers shop online.

adjective + user interface: clean/simple/intuitive

同義詞
  • interface

    shorter, more general term; can refer to hardware or software connections

  • layout

    focuses purely on visual arrangement, not interactive behaviour

文法句型

the [adjective] user interface of [device/system]

用法筆記

Often reduced to the abbreviation UI in technical writing. Subject is typically a designer, developer, or user describing what appears on screen.

常見錯誤

The user interface is very slow.
The user interface design is confusing.
💡'user interface' describes the layout and controls on screen; for speed issues, refer to 'the system' or 'the connection.'

2. the software component that allows a person to control a computer or machine by

2.名詞B2
釋義

the software component that allows a person to control a computer or machine by selecting from on-screen choices or typing instructions.

例句

Jason updated the user interface on his tablet to get the latest security features.

collocation: update + user interface

This cash machine has a simple user interface that responds to touch.

同義詞
  • platform

    broader term that includes hardware and operating system, not just the interaction layer

  • front end

    tech-industry term for the visible part of a software system that users interact with

文法句型

the [adjective] user interface of/for [device/system]

用法筆記

This sense emphasises the functional software layer rather than the visual design. Frequently modified by adjectives that describe complexity, such as 'simple', 'complex', or 'intuitive'.

常見錯誤

I downloaded a new user interface for editing photos.
I downloaded photo-editing software with a better user interface.
💡A user interface is part of a program; you do not ordinarily download one independently.