Abstract: A user interface slider tool is provided for communicating preference values for subjective parameters. The slider tool comprises a slider stem having a plurality of designated positions corresponding to preference values for a given parameter and a control handle that moves along the slider stem. A first preference value indicates the parameter is not desired, a second preference value indicates an indifference to the parameter, a third preference value indicates a minimal desire for the parameter, and a fourth preference value indicates a maximum desire for the parameter. An alternate embodiment has a flared slider stem that allows preferences for one or two additional parameters to be communicated by positioning the control handle within a flared rating area. This slider tool offers useful information to an application by providing an intuitive and easy-to-use tool with granular controls that allows for effective communication of user preferences while limiting subjective sampling variance.