Human Computer Interaction Overview

### Human Computer Interaction

• Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) involves designing, evaluating, and implementing interactive systems for human use and studying related phenomena.
• It focuses on the interaction between people (users) and computers.
• The golden principle in HCI is "people should come first".

Components of HCI

• Human: Individual or group of users.
• Computer: Any technology from desktop computers to large-scale systems.
• Interaction: Direct or indirect communication between humans and computers.

Goals of HCI

• Improve the safety, utility, effectiveness, efficiency, and usability of systems involving computers.
• Produce usable, safe, and functional systems.

Importance of HCI

• Close competition in the market.
• Easy comparison of products, impacting purchasing decisions.
• Users who can't find or order products will not buy them.
• HCI can prevent accidents and address health and safety concerns.
• It can reduce customer training and support costs.
• Direct correlation between HCI and sales.
• HCI can offer job opportunities.

System Design Approach

• Traditional Approaches: Focus on system functionality and efficiency.
• User-Centered Approach (UCD): Emphasizes understanding users and their needs throughout the development process.

UCD Approach Steps

• Data Collection: Gather information from users and stakeholders using various methods like interviews, questionnaires, and literature reviews.
• Data Analysis: Analyze collected data to identify user needs, tasks, and system requirements.
• Prototyping: Create interactive prototypes for user testing and feedback.
• Design: Design the system based on user needs and feedback.
• Evaluation: Evaluate the system's usability, functionality, and acceptability through expert and user testing.

Interaction Design: 5 Dimensions

• Words: Language used to facilitate interaction and communication.
• Visuals: Visual elements that complement the words and enhance user experience.
• Objects/Space: Layout and placement of elements to create a context for interaction.
• Time: The timeframe within which users interact with the system.
• Behavior: Actions and reactions of users and the interface.

5 Pillars of Interaction Design

• Goal-Driven Design: Acknowledge constraints and devise solutions based on user goals.
• Usability: Ensure users can easily and effectively use the product.
• Affordances and Signifiers: Objects should suggest their use (affordance) and provide visual cues (signifiers) to guide users.
• Learnability: Design for easy learning and retention.
• Empathy: Understand and share the user's thoughts and feelings.

UX Design

• Focuses on the interaction between users and products/services.
• Combines psychology, business, market research, design, and technology.
• Aims to make products usable, enjoyable, and accessible.

Tasks and Processes of a UX Designer

• User Research: Understand user needs and challenges.
• Personas and Information Architecture: Define user types and structure content for easy navigation.
• User Flows and Wireframes: Visualize user journeys and map out screen layouts.
• Prototyping and User Testing: Test designs with users before development.
• Visual Design: (Often handled by UI designers) Focuses on visual elements and aesthetic appeal.

Brainstorming Activity

• Create personas to understand user behavior and goals.
• Develop a POV (Point of View) statement for the persona.
• Brainstorm ideas to improve user experience.
• Create How Might We statements to generate solutions.

Explore the fundamental principles of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), focusing on the relationship between users and computers. This quiz highlights the key components, goals, and significance of HCI in enhancing user experience and system usability.