Menystyrte

Menystyrte is a term used to describe user interfaces and software that are driven by menus. In a menystyrte design, users navigate through a structured set of options presented as menus to access features or perform tasks, rather than entering free-form commands.

The term combines the Norwegian words meny (menu) and styrt (driven or controlled). It is commonly used in Norwegian-language technical writing and in descriptions of legacy software, embedded devices, kiosks, and other systems where actions are selected from predefined options.

Characteristics of menystyrte interfaces often include text-based or graphical menus that are hierarchical or linear. The interface guides the user through a sequence of choices, with each selection narrowing the available options. This design can standardize workflows and reduce input errors, particularly for novice users, but may require multiple steps to reach a desired function and can hinder speed for experienced users.

Common contexts for menystyrte interfaces include ATM machines, point-of-sale terminals, public information kiosks, and older desktop or embedded software. Advantages include simplicity, discoverability, and consistency; disadvantages include lower efficiency for power users, deeper navigation for complex tasks, and potential constraints related to screen space or layout that limit menu depth.

Related concepts include menu-driven interfaces in human-computer interaction, as well as broader comparisons to command-line interfaces and graphical user interfaces.