user interface

This term describes the bridge between human intention and machine execution. It encompasses both the visual layout (GUI) and the functional logic that allows a person to control a device. In professional contexts, it is often contrasted with "user experience" (UX), where the interface refers to the specific tools and screens, while the experience refers to the overall feeling and efficiency of the interaction.

Technical discussions frequently distinguish between different types of interfaces, such as command-line interfaces (CLI) for text-based input and graphical user interfaces (GUI) for visual interaction. The term is standard across software engineering, product design, and consumer electronics.