Types of Programs

While it might seem as if there are an unlimited number of different program types, from the point of view of user interface design most programs fall neatly into one of two types: application or utility. Each program type is defined below in terms of how a program of that type is used.

Applications

An application is a program designed to perform a specific task, such as word processing, creating spreadsheets, creating presentations, or database management. However, the specific activity being performed isn't what makes a program an application. The determining factors are both the level of the tasks being performed and how long the tasks are performed. Users tend to use applications for long periods of time, possibly all day long, and applications provide a high level of functionality to support this amount of usage. By contrast, any program used for a few minutes at a time is a utility, no matter how sophisticated it is. Although Microsoft Word and WordPad both perform word processing, Word is an application because it is typically used for hours at a time and it has the functionality required for this level of usage, while WordPad falls into the utility category because it is typically used to quickly view or edit a document and has relatively basic functionality.

Running an application for many hours at a time has several implications. The first is that an application is usually run maximized, since the user is more productive when the full screen is dedicated to the task. Another implication is that a key to success in designing an application is to make its user interface convenient and efficient. Application users want to get their work done as quickly as possible. Lastly, since users spend so much time using applications, they quickly become intermediate to advanced users. Users grow into applications and make an effort to learn more advanced techniques to become more productive. Consequently, applications should be designed primarily for advanced users. While, ideally, beginning users should be accommodated, this accommodation should not be at the expense of advanced users.

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Applications are usually run maximized. Design applications primarily for advanced users.

Utilities

A utility is a program designed to perform a narrowly focused task (for example, a function related to system management). Utility tasks are often simple, and users tend to use a utility for only brief periods of time to accomplish a task quickly. Once done performing the task, the user usually minimizes or closes the utility to get it out of the way and then resumes using an application.

The fact that utilities are run for short periods of time has several implications. For example, it's safe to assume that a utility will be used in conjunction with another program. As a result, to work effectively with another program, a utility must run in a small screen space. Utilities are almost never run maximized. In fact, it's desirable for the utility to have a flexible window layout so that it can accommodate a wide variety of sizes well. Another implication of a short running time is that the utility's user interface should be visible so that a user can immediately figure out how to use the utility. Utility features should be simple and obvious—in other words, they should not stall the user. Lastly, since users spend so little time using utilities, they don't advance much beyond the beginner-to-intermediate level. Utility users are best described as perpetual intermediates with little motivation to become advanced users. They probably won't discover advanced or subtle user interface features. Consequently, utilities should be designed primarily for beginning users.

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Utilities need to work in a small screen space. Utilities are almost never run maximized. Design utilities primarily for beginning users.