GUI vs. WUI Through the Prism of Characteristics and Postures

Because of the platform differentiation of software products today, the dominant styles of interfaces are: GUI (Graphical User Interface), WUI (Web User Interface) and HUI (Handheld User Interface). Similar goals, principles, rules, heuristics are valid for every of the listed styles at the conceptual level, while substantial differences are present at the level of the physical design. The domination trend favors GUI and its derivatives. GUI dominates on the PC platform and, in essence, there are a small number of its variations. WUI dominates in the field of the approaches to the Internet, extranet and intranet. The HUI design mostly depends on the extent to which extent the PDA device supports the GUI style and the size of the display. The work presents the basic characteristics of GUI and WUI interface styles, their similarities and important differences.