Introduction to Human Computer Interaction (HCI)

Introduction to Human Computer Interaction (HCI)

• HCI is a discipline focusing on the design, evaluation, and implementation of interactive computer systems for human use and the study of major related phenomena.
• HCI aims to create software and technology that people will want to use, be able to use, and find effective when used.
• This involves understanding usability, the extent to which a product can be used by specified users to achieve specific goals effectively, efficiently, and satisfyingly.
• A usable system is easy to learn and remember, and effective, efficient, safe, and enjoyable.
• HCI is crucial for creating effective, productive, moral, and safe computing systems; an example of bad design is illustrated.
• HCI studies go beyond just button sizes and layouts. Key factors affected include user effectiveness, productivity, morale, and safety.
• HCI affects how people use computer systems, impacting their interactions and learning, for instance, children learning through computer-aided systems. It can also affect those with disabilities, by providing tools to improve productivity and morale.
• Another key area includes users with disabilities who need specific technology such as vision aids, speech recognition and font-size for dyslexia.

The Goal of HCI

• The goal of HCI design is usability.
• Usability is the extent to which a product can be used by specified users to achieve specific goals with effectiveness, efficiency, and satisfaction in a specified context of use.
• Key elements include Web design, common sense, and simplicity.

The Interdisciplinary Field of HCI

• HCI involves computer science, providing technological application and aspects of human cognition, including the cognitive psychology of human capabilities and how humans interact.
• There are various fields of study in HCI: cognitive science (how humans interact); sociology (collaboration and work interaction between people); anthropology (how people work and interact with their environment) and human factors engineering. Also, industrial design and engineering.

Universal Usability

• Universal usability designs products usable by all users, considering human diversity.
• Key user types include those with specific needs and challenges, along with personality traits and differences (e.g., computer anxiety).
• Other consideration include cognitive and perceptual abilities, cultural differences, or disability status, which impacts how users interact with technology.

The Evolution of HCI

• HCI's evolution is shown through various examples of technological changes, from punch cards in the 1960s, to command lines in the 1970s, GUIs in the 1980s, early internet designs in the 1990s, modern web applications in the 2000s, and mobile-first design in the 2010s.
• This progression is associated with the development of transistors, ICs, mouse interfaces, networking technologies, broadband, and connectivity.

The Impact of HCI on Society

• HCI has significantly impacted society by empowering the use of computers in daily life.
• Applications and devices require less training.
• Examples include touch screens for direct interactions and voice controls for human interaction with computers.

The Impact of HCI on Culture

• Smartphones transform daily routines; using empty time for activities such as reading news, emails, chatting, playing games, or simply avoiding boredom.
• Social media influences connection and building relationships.
• Games contribute to social interactions and activities.

Future of HCI

• The future of HCI will likely leverage holograms, wearable technology (virtual or augmented reality), robotic interfaces, and speech recognition technologies.