Human-Computer Interaction Basics

Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) Overview

• HCI is essential for designing user interfaces for connected devices, ensuring smooth interaction and seamless experiences across platforms.
• Originated in the late 1970s within Computer Science, HCI has evolved to address complex societal issues through understanding human behavior.

Historical Context

• Prior to the mid-1970s, office work was dominated by paper, typewriters, and bulky computers housed in refrigerated rooms.
• The introduction of personal computing is largely credited to innovations by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak.

Key Innovations

• Xerox Alto (1973):
  • Pioneered the idea of a Graphical User Interface (GUI), inspiring future systems despite being commercially unviable.
• Macintosh:
  • Introduced the desktop metaphor in commercial use via Lisa OS, simulating a physical desk to help users understand digital file organization.

Usability Testing

• Usability testing aids in identifying user experience issues and areas for improvement.
• Remote Testing:
  • Facilitates user interaction from various locations, allowing facilitators to collect data via online platforms.
• Pilot Testing:
  • Conducted with a small user group before the main usability test to identify potential issues with processes or materials.

Interconnection with Computer Science and Engineering

• HCI integrates computer science and engineering to create user-friendly technology interfaces.
• Hardware Design:
  • Computer engineers design input (keyboards, touchscreens) and output (displays, speakers) devices, affecting user interaction.
• Software Development:
  • HCI principles guide intuitive and responsive software interface design, built on technical foundations provided by computer science.
• Network and Connectivity:
  • Computer engineering supports the development of networked devices, enhancing collaborative capabilities.

Evolution of Communication

• The rise of the Internet in the 1990s shifted HCI focus towards social interactions facilitated by technology.
• Email emerged as a key communication tool, transforming computer usage from solitary tasks to social connectivity.

Social Impacts of Technology

• The diversification of computing devices in the 21st century raised questions about technology's role in everyday life, highlighting a paradox of being connected yet feeling alone.
• Ubiquitous computing means technology is deeply integrated into daily tasks, such as exams, appointments, and financial transactions.

Human Input in HCI

• Cognitive psychology studies the processes by which humans perceive and interpret information, crucial for effective interface design that aligns with cognitive capabilities and limitations.

Visual Channel in Learning

• The visual channel conveys information through sight, emphasizing human sensitivity to light, colors, and focus as key elements in learning and interface design.