User interface technique
A user interface technique or interaction technique is a combination of hardware and software elements that provides a way for computer users to accomplish a task[1][2]. For example, one can go back to the previously visited page on a Web browser by either clicking a button, hitting a key, performing a mouse gesture or uttering a speech command.
Interaction style
User interface techniques that share the same metaphor or design principles can be seen as belonging to the same interaction style. Examples are command line and direct manipulation user interfaces.
New interaction techniques
A large part of research and innovation in human-computer interaction involves exploring easier-to-learn or more efficient interaction techniques for common computing tasks. Examples of scientific conferences in that topic are the the UIST and the CHI conferences.