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Description:
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Menus are a common device found in computer interfaces used for presenting alternatives to computer users . Considerable research has addressed the uses of menus as part of Visual Display Terminals (VDTs ) . Menus on VDTs are advantageous , especially for novice computer users , because (1 ) menus are easy to learn and use ; and (2 ) menus reduce the memory demands placed on the user by presenting possible options eliminating the need to commit the options to memory .
The past popularity of menus in VDT interfaces is currently leading to the use of them in other interfaces . One such interface is the auditory interface . Technology is such that information can be accessed on computers via telephone . Users can "talk" to the computer to gain access to information and services . The computers respond using digitized or synthesized speech output . Applications of such services include credit card information services , banking services , and database inquiry . While these applications are on the increase , there is essentially no literature suggesting the best course for designing such interface . Menus , as interface tools , are included in this area which lacks research and design guidelines suggesting investigation into these issues . |