40 Questions
What was the authors' original word-processing package?
Menu-based
Why did the authors' first attempt at writing the introduction fail?
The authors accidentally selected the delete option instead of save
Why do errors like the authors' experience still occur despite computers being marketed as 'user friendly' and 'easy to use'?
Designers do not test their systems under pressure
What is a consequence of poor design choices in human-computer interaction?
User frustration and loss of work
What was the result of the authors hitting the 'Confirm' button?
Their work was deleted
Why is the word 'catastrophe' relevant in this context?
The authors' work was deleted
What is implied about the designer of the word-processing package?
They did not test their system with a trackball
What is the main reason for studying human-computer interaction?
To improve user experience
What does the term 'user' refer to in the context of HCI?
A group of users working together or a sequence of users in an organization
What is meant by 'computer' in the context of HCI?
Any technology, including a desktop computer, a large-scale computer system, a process control system or an embedded system
What type of interaction involves a dialog with feedback and control throughout performance of the task?
Direct interaction
What is the primary goal of the user's interaction with the computer?
To accomplish something using the technology
Why is HCI considered a multi-disciplinary subject?
Because it involves a range of topics, including psychology, cognitive science, ergonomics, sociology, computer science, engineering, business, graphic design, and technical writing
What disciplines are involved in understanding the user's skills in HCI?
Psychology, cognitive science, ergonomics, and sociology
What is the ideal characteristic of a designer of an interactive system?
Expertise in a range of topics, including psychology, cognitive science, ergonomics, sociology, computer science, engineering, business, graphic design, and technical writing
What is not a sufficient characteristic of a design team for HCI?
A single person with expertise in all areas
What is the primary goal of the EC Directive 90/270/EEC?
To ensure software is suitable for the task
When did the term human–computer interaction begin to be widely used?
Early 1980s
What is the primary focus of ergonomists?
Physical characteristics of machines and systems
What is the name of the society formed in 1949 to study the interaction between humans and machines?
Ergonomics Research Society
What is the primary difference between Human Factors and Ergonomics?
Ergonomics is concerned with physical characteristics, while Human Factors is concerned with cognitive issues
What is the main reason why designers and employers can no longer afford to ignore the user?
National health and safety standards
What prompted the systematic study of human performance in the early 20th century?
The Second World War
What is the primary concern of Human Factors and Ergonomics?
User performance in the context of any system, whether computer, mechanical or manual
What is the primary question being discussed in the context of HCI?
Whether HCI is a science or a craft discipline
What is the analogy drawn from in the context of HCI?
Architecture
What is the primary goal of understanding the science behind HCI?
To maximize the potential benefit of innovative ideas
What is the relationship between art and science in HCI?
They are complementary aspects of HCI
What is the outcome of reusing lessons learned from the past in HCI?
More usable systems
What is the primary challenge when considering novel systems in HCI?
The tension between craft and science
What is the role of scientific rationalization in HCI?
To understand how and why innovative ideas work
What is the ultimate goal of combining art and science in HCI?
To create systems that are both usable and effective
What is the primary focus of the book?
Showcasing the significance of usability in interface design
What is the primary benefit of using interface design techniques?
To force designers to consider the user's perspective
Why is it essential to involve users in the design process?
Because users have vital knowledge and can identify flaws
What is the purpose of conducting usability testing?
To identify flaws in the interface and improve its usability
What is the significance of sitting someone down with an early version of an interface?
To identify flaws in the interface and improve its usability
What is the primary reason why designers may find it incomprehensible that users have trouble with the system?
Because they find the system easy and pleasant to use
What is the benefit of using a notebook and pencil, and a home-video camera in usability testing?
To suffice as a substitute for professional usability laboratories
What was the potentially fatal flaw in the mechanical syringe's interface?
The use of a numeric keypad to enter doses
Study Notes
Why Human-Computer Interaction?
- Human-computer interaction (HCI) is crucial because poor design choices can lead to errors, frustration, and lost productivity.
- Even simple mistakes, like deleting a file instead of saving it, can occur due to design flaws.
Definition of Human-Computer Interaction
- HCI involves the interaction between a user (individual, group, or sequence of users) and a computer (desktop, large-scale, process control, or embedded system).
- This interaction can be direct (with feedback and control) or indirect (batch processing or intelligent sensors).
Multi-Disciplinary Nature of HCI
- HCI requires expertise in various fields, including:
- Psychology and cognitive science (user's perceptual, cognitive, and problem-solving skills)
- Ergonomics (user's physical capabilities)
- Sociology (wider context of the interaction)
- Computer science and engineering (building the necessary technology)
- Business (marketing)
- Graphic design (interface presentation)
- Technical writing (manuals)
Importance of HCI
- National health and safety standards, such as EC Directive 90/270/EEC, require employers to provide usable computer systems.
- Designers and employers must ensure that software is suitable for the task, easy to use, adaptable, and provides feedback on performance.
Brief History of HCI
- The term HCI has been in widespread use since the early 1980s.
- Systematic study of human performance began in the early 20th century, focusing on manual tasks.
- The Second World War led to increased interest in human-machine interaction, resulting in the formation of the Ergonomics Research Society in 1949.
Craft and Science in HCI
- HCI involves both artistic skill and scientific method.
- Innovative ideas and artistry are necessary for designing beautiful and novel interfaces, but scientific rationalization is required to understand how and why they work.
Design Focus
- There are no quick fixes in HCI, but a few simple steps can make a dramatic improvement.
- Thinking "user" and involving users in the design process can help identify flaws and improve the system.
- Simple evaluation techniques, such as testing and user feedback, can be valuable in improving the interface.
Introduction to Human-Computer Interaction discussing the importance and relevance of the field, highlighting a personal anecdote about a design quirk and user error.
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