Foundations of Human Computer Interaction (HCI)

Foundations of Human Computer Interaction (HCI)

• HCI is a cross-disciplinary field encompassing computer science, engineering, psychology, ergonomics, and design.
• HCI focuses on the theory, design, implementation, and evaluation of how humans interact with computing devices.
• It's a subfield of computer science concerning human-computer interactions, interface design, and user needs.

Design Considerations

• The study of design addresses well-designed and poorly designed products, whether they achieve intended use or not.
• Poor design affects user experience and effectiveness.
• Examples illustrate good and bad designs, highlighting the importance of user-centered design principles.

HCI Components

• HCI comprises three crucial components: human/user, computer, and their interaction.
  • Humans/users are individuals or groups working together on a project.
  • Computers are operated by humans to achieve objectives. The computer provides digital representations.
  • The interface is essential for a positive user experience.
  • Context matters; design must account for the environment where the system is used.

Goals of HCI

• HCI aims to minimize user effort (physical and mental) while using technology.
• Design humanizes the interaction creating user-friendly, usable, accessible, efficient, and safe products.

History of HCI

• The rise of personal computers in the 1970s and 1980s spurred the need for a more human-centered approach to design.
• Xerox PARC developed the first graphical user interface (GUI).
• Apple's Lisa and Macintosh computers popularized GUIs.
• Donald Norman's work on user-centered design had a significant impact on the field.

Applications of HCI

• HCI is used to research user behavior, design user interfaces, and understand sociocultural implications of human-computer interaction.
• Notable industries utilizing HCI include virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), medical training, education, and electronic toll systems.
  • Other applications include healthcare technologies, education-based technologies, security and cybersecurity, and voice user interfaces.

Paradigms of Interaction

• Paradigms of interaction serve as models or patterns encompassing all aspects of human interaction with computers, including physical, virtual, perceptual, and cognitive. Popular paradigms include large-scale computing, personal computing, networked computing, mobile computing, collaborative environments, VR, and AR.

Large-Scale Computing Paradigm

• This paradigm describes large, central computers (mainframes) and how batch processing worked in that environment.

Personal Computing Paradigm

• This paradigm is driven by graphical user interfaces (GUIs) with operating systems like Windows and Macintosh. GUI characteristics include graphical displays and direct manipulation.

Networked Computing Paradigm

• This paradigm focuses on computer networks allowing users greater access based on internet availability regardless of geographical location. Community computing and networking are major aspects.

Mobile Computing Paradigm

• This paradigm utilizes computers' ability to transmit data, voice, and video using wireless enabled devices. The interactions include mobile communication, hardware, and software aspects.

Collaborative Environment Paradigm

• This paradigm focuses on how computer networks enable groups to interact collaboratively, sharing documents and files. Interactive computing is a significant element.

Virtual Reality Paradigm

• Virtual reality is a computer-generated, simulated environment. The paradigm is used in healthcare, education, entertainment, and automotive industries.

Augmented Reality Paradigm

• Augmented reality is an interaction experience that enhances the real environment with computer-generated perceptual information. Examples include Snapchat, photography editing, Hololens, Google ARCore, and Pokémon Go.