A menu interface appropriately borrows its name from the list of dishes that can
be selected in a restaurant. Similarly, a menu interface provides the user with an
onscreen list of available selections.
In responding to the menu, a user is limited to the options displayed. The user
need not know the system but does need to know what task should be accomplished.
For example, with a typical word processing menu, users can choose from
the Edit, Copy, or Print options. To utilize the menu best, however, users must
know which task they desire to perform.
Menus are not hardware dependent.Variations abound. Menus can be set up to
use keyboard entry, light pen, or mouse. Selections can be identified with a number,
letter, or keyword, or users can click on a selection with a mouse. Consistency is
important in designing a menu interface.