Study of user preference of graphic user interface in laboratory information system

In order to elucidate employees satisfaction levels in using graphic user interface (GUI) in a laboratory information system (LIS), users attitudes toward GUI versus CUI (Character User Interface) in a similar LIS were surveyed one month after implementing upgraded version of LIS in a tertiary care university hospital laboratory. The outcome of the study showed that approximately two third of users preferred to have GUI in LIS. There was no difference in preference of GUI of users whether they had previous experience with GUI or not. However the female and older employees tend to shy away from GUI. The employee productivity was improved with GUI although it takes slightly longer program loading time than that of CUI. In conclusion, the laboratory employee satisfaction was higher with GUI than CUI and their productivity was improved with GUI.