Introduction to Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) Lecture 1 PDF

Introduction to Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) Lec (1) Dania Mohamed Ahmed  Introduction to Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) is an interdisciplinary field focused on designing, evaluating,...

Introduction to Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) Lec (1) Dania Mohamed Ahmed  Introduction to Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) is an interdisciplinary field focused on designing, evaluating, and implementing interactive computing systems for human use, and studying major phenomena surrounding them. HCI is about understanding how people interact with computers and designing technology that fits seamlessly into their lives. HCI Definition: Human-Computer Interaction is the study and practice of designing, evaluating, and implementing interactive computing systems for human use and studying the major phenomena surrounding them.  Introduction to Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) Interaction is a concept to be distinguished from another similar term, interface. interaction refers to an abstract model by which humans interact with the computing device for a given task, and an interface is a choice of technical realization (hardware or software) of such a given interaction model. Thus, the letter I in HCI refers to both interaction and interface, encompassing the abstract model and the technological methodology. The distinguishing concept of interaction (model) and interface  Core Components of HCI 1. Human: understanding human capabilities and limitations, such as cognitive and physical aspects, is crucial. This includes perception, memory, problem-solving, and motor skills. 2. Computer: this refers to the technology itself, including hardware and software. It's about understanding what the computer can do and how it can best serve the user's needs. 3. Interaction: interaction is the communication between the user and the computer. It includes input methods (e.g., keyboard, mouse, touch, voice) and output methods (e.g., screen displays, sounds, haptic feedback).  Key Principles of HCI 1. User-Centered Design (UCD): UCD is an iterative design process that focuses on the users and their needs in each phase of the design process. It involves users throughout the design process via a variety of research and design techniques to create highly usable and accessible products for them. 2. Usability: usability is about making systems easy to use and learn. It encompasses several factors: Effectiveness: How well users can achieve their goals using the system. Efficiency: How quickly users can perform tasks once they have learned the system. Satisfaction: How pleasant the system is to use. Learnability: How easy it is for users to accomplish basic tasks the first time they encounter the design. Memorability: How easily users can reestablish proficiency when they return to the system after a period of not using it.  Key Principles of HCI Cont.. 3. User Experience (UX): UX is a broader concept than usability. It includes all aspects of the end-user's interaction with the company, its services, and its products. UX aims to enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty by improving the usability, ease of use, and pleasure provided in the interaction with the product. 4. Accessibility: accessibility ensures that products and services are usable by people of all abilities and disabilities. It involves designing systems that accommodate various disabilities, such as visual, auditory, physical, speech, cognitive, and neurological disabilities. 5. Interaction Design: interaction design focuses on creating engaging interfaces with well-thought-out behaviors. It involves the creation of interfaces that facilitate user interaction in a way that feels natural and efficient.  Key Principles of HCI Cont.. 6. Feedback: feedback provides users with information about what action has been done and what has been accomplished. It helps users understand the result of their actions and provides necessary information to continue or correct their actions. 7. Consistency: consistency in design means ensuring that similar actions and elements produce similar results and appear and behave in similar ways. This helps users understand how to use new parts of the system quickly by relying on what they already know.  Goals of HCI Improving User Satisfaction: Creating systems users find enjoyable and fulfilling to use. Increasing Productivity: Designing interfaces that allow users to complete tasks more quickly and efficiently. Reducing Errors: Designing systems that minimize the likelihood of user errors and help users recover from mistakes when they occur. Ensuring Accessibility: Making systems usable by as many people as possible, regardless of their abilities. An Interdisciplinary Area that Contribute to HCI Computer Science Application design and engineering of human-computer Interfaces Psychology The application of theories of cognitive processes and the empirical analysis of user behavior Sociology Interactions between technology, work, and organization Design and Industrial Design Creating interactive products  Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) strengths 1. Improved Usability: HCI focuses on designing systems that are easy to learn, efficient to use, and provide a satisfying user experience. This enhances user productivity and reduces errors. 2. User-Centered Design: HCI emphasizes understanding user needs, behaviors, and preferences through empirical research methods. Design decisions are informed by user feedback, resulting in interfaces that meet user expectations. 3. Enhanced Accessibility: HCI promotes designing interfaces that accommodate diverse users, including those with disabilities. This improves accessibility and inclusivity in digital interactions. 4. Innovative Interaction Techniques: HCI explores and develops new interaction techniques and paradigms, such as touch interfaces, gesture recognition, and voice interfaces, enhancing user interaction possibilities. 5. Interdisciplinary Approach: HCI integrates insights from psychology, cognitive science, design, computer science, and other disciplines to understand human behavior and improve system design. 6. Iterative Design Process: HCI employs iterative design processes where prototypes are tested with users early and often. This allows for refinement and improvement of interface designs based on user feedback.  Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) weaknesses 1. Subjectivity in User Preferences: User preferences and behaviors can vary widely, making it challenging to design interfaces that universally satisfy all users. 2. Complexity of Evaluation: Evaluating usability and user experience can be complex and time- consuming. Methods such as usability testing require skilled facilitators and may not always capture all aspects of user interaction. 3. Emerging Technologies Challenges: Designing interfaces for emerging technologies like AR/VR or AI involves new challenges in interaction design, usability, and user acceptance. 4. Ethical Considerations: HCI must navigate ethical issues such as privacy concerns, algorithmic bias, and the ethical implications of persuasive design techniques. 5. Rapid Technological Change: HCI faces the challenge of keeping up with rapid technological advancements, which can impact interface design and user interaction patterns.