Introduction to Human-Computer Interaction

Introduction to Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)

• HCI is an interdisciplinary field focused on designing, evaluating, and implementing interactive computing systems for human use.
• It studies the phenomena surrounding human-computer interaction.
• HCI aims to understand how people interact with computers and design technology that integrates seamlessly into daily life.
• The field encompasses the abstract interaction model and the technical realization (interface).
• HCI is about understanding how people interact with computers and designing technology that fits seamlessly into their lives.

HCI Definition

• HCI is the study and practice of designing, evaluating, and implementing interactive computing systems for human use.
• It also involves studying the phenomena surrounding these interactions.

Interaction vs. Interface

• Interaction is the abstract model of how humans interact with computing devices for a task.
• An interface is the technical realization, or means, of that interaction model. Interface is a choice of hardware or software.
• The "I" in HCI refers to both interaction and interface, combining the abstract model and technology.

Core Components of HCI

• Human: Understanding human capabilities (cognitive, physical, perception, memory, problem-solving, motor skills) is crucial.
• Computer: Understanding the capabilities and limitations of the technology (hardware and software) to best serve user needs.
• Interaction: The communication channel between the human and computer, including input methods (keyboard, mouse, touch, voice) and output methods (screen displays, sound, haptic feedback).

Key Principles of HCI

• User-Centered Design (UCD): An iterative process focused on users, involving users at every stage of the design process to create usable products. This includes research and design techniques.
• Usability: Making systems easy to use and learn, including factors like effectiveness, efficiency, satisfaction, learnability, and memorability.
• User Experience (UX): A broader concept encompassing all user interactions with a company, service, or product. Aims to improve user satisfaction, ease of use, and pleasure from the interaction.
• Accessibility: Designing systems usable by people of all abilities, including various disabilities (visual, auditory, physical, speech, cognitive, neurological).
• Interaction Design: Creating engaging interfaces with well-defined behaviors, enabling natural and efficient user interaction.
• Feedback: Providing information about actions performed, allowing users to understand the results and make necessary corrections.
• Consistency: Similar actions and elements should produce similar results and behaviors. This enhances user understanding and helps quickly learn new parts of a system.

Goals of HCI

• Improving User Satisfaction: Creating systems users find enjoyable and fulfilling.
• Increasing Productivity: Designing interfaces that allow users to complete tasks quickly and efficiently.
• Reducing Errors: Designing systems that minimize user errors and allow for recovery when mistakes happen.
• Ensuring Accessibility: Designing systems usable by a broad range of users, regardless of abilities.

Interdisciplinary Areas Contributing to HCI

• Computer Science: Application design and engineering of human-computer interfaces.
• Psychology: Theories of cognitive processes and analysis of user behavior.
• Sociology: Interactions between technology, work, and organization.
• Design and Industrial Design: Creation of interactive products.

Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) Strengths

• Improved Usability: Easy to learn, efficient to use, satisfying user experience, enhancing productivity, and reducing errors.
• User-Centered Design: Understanding user needs, behaviors, and preferences through research to meet users' expectations.
• Enhanced Accessibility: Designing to accommodate users with diverse abilities, improving accessibility and inclusivity in digital interactions.
• Innovative Interaction Techniques: Exploration and development of new interaction techniques such as touch interfaces, gesture recognition, and voice interfaces.
• Interdisciplinary Approach: Combining perspectives from various fields (psychology, cognitive science, design) to understand human behavior and improve system design.
• Iterative Design Process: Using iterative processes to allow for testing and refinement based on user feedback.

Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) Weaknesses

• Subjectivity in User Preferences: Difficult to satisfy all users due to diverse preferences and behaviors.
• Complexity of Evaluation: Evaluating usability and user experience is complex, time-consuming. Usability testing may not always fully capture all user aspects.
• Emerging Technologies Challenges: Designing interfaces for emerging technologies poses new challenges related to usability, user acceptance, and interaction design for these new technologies.
• Ethical Considerations: Navigating ethical issues such as privacy concerns, algorithmic bias, and ethical implications of persuasive designs.
• Rapid Technological Change: Keeping up with rapid advancements in technology to ensure interfaces remain relevant and usable.