HCI Lecture 4: Introduction to User-Centered Design

Human Computer Interaction (HCI)

• CSBP 316 course at UAE University
• Lecture 4 focused on Introduction to HCI

User-Centered Design

• Systematic approach to consider human factors in design
• Reduces design decisions made impulsively
• Helps document and defend design decisions

UI Design/Develop Process

• Principle of User-Centered Design
  • Analyze user goals and tasks (user and designer collaborate)
  • Design alternatives (designer focused)
  • Evaluate design (user and designer collaborate)
  • Develop prototype (designer focused)
  • Test prototype (user focused)
  • Refine design (designer focused)
• Design > Implement > Use & Evaluate is the cyclical process.

Above UCD Values

• Importance of knowing the user
  • Physical abilities
  • Personality & cultural background
  • Knowledge and skills
  • Motivation
• Two common design mistakes:
  • Assuming all users are alike
  • Assuming all users are like the designer

Stop Looking at User as a Perfect User

• Designers' desire to create perfect users
• Focus on different user abilities and functionalities
  • Navigation skills
  • Memory
  • Visual acuity
  • Stamina or endurance
  • Dexterity
• Reality: acknowledging a diverse user base

UCD: 9 Step Overview

• A cyclical workflow
  • Define the context (understanding users' tasks & environment)
  • Describe the users (characteristics)
  • Task Analysis (observe tasks)
  • Function allocation (assign specific tasks to specific components)
  • System layout / Basic design (design based on the allocated functions)
  • Mockups & Prototypes (rapidly mock interfaces)
  • Usability Testing (evaluate prototypes)
  • Iterative Test & Redesign (continuous improvement from feedback)
  • Updates & maintenance (plan and implement features for ongoing support)

UCD: Define the Context & Describe the User

• Defining the Context: Understanding the specific uses and applications of a system (life-critical, industrial, commercial, scientific, consumer, office, home, entertainment, exploratory, creative, cooperative, market)

• Describing the User: Characterizing users through their physical attributes (age, gender, reach), perceptual abilities (hearing, vision), cognitive abilities, and physical work environments.

• Also considering personality, social traits, cultural and international diversity, special populations and their (dis)abilities.

UCD: Task Analysis & Function Allocation

• Task Analysis: Observing and documenting user tasks to understand how they interact with the system.
• Function Allocation: Assigning specific components or elements to specific tasks or subtasks within the system. Example: user vs. system memory of login id

UCD: System Layout / Basic Design, Mockups & Prototypes

• Summary of system components is crucial
• Designs must follow requirements for hardware, specs, and regulations
• Focus on the aspects of verification and validation
• Rapidly mock up user interfaces for testing with real people
• Iterate on design, focus on function, increasingly detail in prototypes

UCD: Usability Testing

• Using real users to test prototypes, and identifying their insights on functionality and features.
• Focus on rigorous tests and feedback.
• Using feedback for continuous evaluation and redesign.
• "Discount" testing approaches can be effective for rapid results.

UCD: Iterative Test & Redesign & Updates & Maintenance

• Iterative testing and redesign is a cyclical process to refine and rework the system
• Focus on functionality, plan for evolving system versions
• Conduct in the field testing to get feedback and make iterative changes
• Create detailed update and maintenance plan

Accessibility and Inclusiveness

• Fundamental design principle for ensuring usability for all users regardless of ability

  • Key principles of accessibility: Perceivable, Operable and Understandable design
  • Areas of accessibility in HCI: Visual, Hearing, Motor and Cognitive accessibility

• Inclusiveness: Extending beyond accessibility to cater to diverse cultural background, linguistic, socioeconomic need, and age

  • Key aspects of inclusiveness: Cultural, Technological, Socieconomic, Age inclusiveness

• Practical examples of accessibility: web accessibility, mobile design, gaming and public kiosks

• Essential for design Tuesday 28-01-2025