A Multiple Frames Interface (MFI) is a type of user interface which displays information in a set of frames or panels that can be scrolled vertically on the screen.

History

Paned windows were introduced in file browsers in the 1990s in order to divide the window into sections for a more intuitive approach. Netscape 2.0 introduced the elements used for html frames in the 1990s (see Netscape Navigator). At that time, Netscape proposed frames to the W3C for inclusion in the HTML 3.0 standard. IGoogle with its gadgets is an early type of MFI.

Description

An MFI consists of a set of panels that can be maximized, minimized, restored, or moved, being tiled on a scrollable "page" on the screen. As of January 2009, only HTML-based MFIs are functional, and no "desktop" versions are available. The HTML-based MFI is an alternative to the web desktop, allowing simultaneous use of multiple rich internet applications.

Advantages

The MFIs have several advantages over desktop environments:

The work with frames is more fluent on a visual standpoint
Frames do not overlap on the screen
The number of frames on the screen is limited to a number that can be handled by the user
All frames are permanently on screen

Shortcomings

Scrolling the set of frames can be difficult
Many panels open permanently use more memory

External links

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