Although there is no set standard for how a VCS should seem, what functionality should be included, or how the human-machine interface should look? The following characteristics may be found in the majority of systems:

• Touch-screen technological devices.
• The screed has sections for connection, frequency selection, and frequency modification.
• Phone shortcuts (phones that can be dialed with just one button) have their own section of the screen, which is typically the biggest. In certain systems, these may be spread across numerous pages.
• Extra phone features, such as a dial pad, a phone book, etc.
• A control panel with options for things like volume adjustment, choosing output devices (such a headset or speakers), choosing the incoming call sound, etc.
• Functional buttons, such as those for push-to-talk, conference calls, and call transfers.