user interface

USAGE SUMMARY

The term "user interface" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the graphical interface that allows a user to communicate with a computer, application, or device. For example, "The new user interface of the software makes it much easier to use."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

There's a slick user interface.

The New York Times - Tech

That's poor user interface design.

The Guardian - Tech

The user interface technology exists.

The New York Times

The user interface couldn't be simpler.

The New York Times - Tech

One problem is still the user interface.

The New Yorker

The overall user interface looks the same.

The New York Times

"The user interface on this is unbelievable".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

It had a graphical-user interface.

Forbes

But several user-interface lapses kept tripping me up.

The New York Times - Tech

see also: UI – short for 'user interface'.

The Guardian - Tech

Ben Wegscheider — Intro & User Interface Design.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing digital products, clarify the type of "user interface" you're referring to (e.g., graphical, voice, touch) for clarity.

Common error

Avoid solely relying on "user friendly" to describe a good "user interface". Instead, highlight specific qualities such as intuitive design, efficient workflow, or accessibility features to demonstrate its usability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "user interface" primarily functions as a noun phrase, identifying the point of interaction between a user and a system or device. It commonly acts as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI indicates, it refers to the part of a software application that a user sees and interacts with.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "user interface" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase that refers to the means by which a user interacts with a system or device. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, including news, science, and business, with a neutral formality level. When using this term, consider specifying the type of interface (e.g., graphical, voice) and focusing on specific qualities like intuitiveness and efficiency rather than relying solely on vague descriptors such as "user friendly". The prevalence of "user interface" in authoritative sources highlights its importance in discussing technology and design.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

UI design

This is a shortened, more technical term focusing on the design aspect of the user interface.

interface design

A more general term that encompasses the design of any kind of interface, not just user interfaces.

graphical user interface

This specifies that the interface is visual, using graphics, rather than text-based.

interactive design

Focuses on the interactive nature of the interface, highlighting the user's ability to interact with it.

visual interface

Similar to graphical user interface, emphasizing the visual aspect of the interaction.

human-computer interaction

This is a broader, more academic term encompassing all aspects of how humans interact with computers.

front-end design

This term is more specific to software development, referring to the part of the application the user directly interacts with.

application interface

This emphasizes the interface as part of a specific application, either software or hardware.

touchscreen interface

Specifies that the user interacts with the system via a touchscreen.

control panel

This term is often used for interfaces that allow users to configure and manage systems.

FAQs

How to describe the "user interface" of a mobile app?

When describing a mobile app's "user interface", focus on its responsiveness, ease of navigation, and visual clarity. For example, you could say, "The app features an intuitive "touchscreen interface" that simplifies complex tasks."

What's the difference between "user interface" and "user experience"?

"User interface" (UI) refers to the specific elements users interact with, while "user experience" (UX) encompasses the overall feeling and satisfaction a user has while using a product. UI is a subset of UX.

What are key elements of a good "user interface"?

Key elements include clear navigation, consistent design, intuitive controls, and helpful feedback. A well-designed "user interface" should be both efficient and enjoyable to use.

How does accessibility affect the "user interface"?

Accessibility considerations ensure that the "user interface" can be used by people with disabilities. This includes features like screen reader compatibility, alternative text for images, and keyboard navigation.