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Chapter 1

Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) is the study of how people interact with computers, focusing on usability and effective design for user experience. It encompasses understanding user needs, developing suitable systems, and ensuring safe and enjoyable interactions. The field has evolved through various disciplines, including cognitive psychology and computer science, and continues to adapt to technological advancements.

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3 views

Chapter 1

Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) is the study of how people interact with computers, focusing on usability and effective design for user experience. It encompasses understanding user needs, developing suitable systems, and ensuring safe and enjoyable interactions. The field has evolved through various disciplines, including cognitive psychology and computer science, and continues to adapt to technological advancements.

Uploaded by

Azthyn Zax
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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1.

Introduction to HCI
Definition

⚫ HCI (human-computer interaction) is the


study of how people interact with computers
and to what extent computers are or are not
developed for successful interaction with
human beings.
⚫ A significant number of major corporations
and academic institutions now study HCI.

1. Introduction to HCI
Definition
⚫ HCI consists of three parts:
⚫ the user
⚫ the computer itself
⚫ the ways they work together – the interaction

1. Introduction to HCI
Goals of HCI
⚫ understand the factors that determine how
people use technology
⚫ develop tools and techniques to enable
building suitable systems
⚫ achieve efficient, effective, and safe
interaction
⚫ put people first

1. Introduction to HCI
Usability
⚫ A usable system is:
⚫ easy to learn
⚫ easy to remember how to use
⚫ effective to use
⚫ efficient to use
⚫ safe to use
⚫ enjoyable to use

1. Introduction to HCI
Why is usability important?
⚫ Many everyday systems and products seem
to be designed with little regard to usability.
⚫ This list contains examples of interactive
products:
⚫ mobile phone, computer, personal organizer,
remote control, soft drink machine, coffee
machine, ATM, ticket machine, library information
system, the web, photocopier, watch, printer,
stereo, calculator, videogame etc….

1. Introduction to HCI
Why is usability important?
⚫ How many are actually easy, effortless, and
enjoyable to use?
⚫ For example, a photocopier might have buttons
like these on its control panel:

1. Introduction to HCI
Factors affecting usability

⚫ format of input
⚫ style of feedback
⚫ visibility
⚫ affordance

1. Introduction to HCI
Visibility and Affordance
⚫ Visibility is the mapping between a control
and its effect.
⚫ Affordance of an object is the sort of
operations and manipulations that can be
done to it.
⚫ The important factor for design is perceived
affordance – what a person thinks can be
done with an object

1. Introduction to HCI
HCI Practice

⚫ understand (analyse), design, evaluate and


implement systems
⚫ good intentions not enough
⚫ rapid change in underlying technology
⚫ inherent conflicts and trade-offs
⚫ many different components (and areas of
study)

1. Introduction to HCI
Evolution of HCI
⚫ Human factors engineering (Frank Gilbreth, post World War 1)
Aircraft cockpits (World War 2) – emphasis switched to
perceptual and decision making capabilities
⚫ Symbiosis (J.C.R. Licklider, 1960’s)
⚫ Cognitive psychology (Donald Norman and many others, late
1970’s, early 1980’s)
⚫ Development of GUI interface (Xerox, Apple, early 1980’s)
⚫ Field of HCI came into being (mid 1980’s) – key principles of
User Centred Design and Direct Manipulation emerged.
⚫ Development of software design tools (e.g Visual Basic, late
1980’s, early 1990’s)
⚫ Usability engineering (Jakob Neilsen, 1990’s) - mainly in
industry rather than academic research.
⚫ Web usability (late 1990’s) – the main focus of HCI research
today.
1. Introduction to HCI
Factors

1. Introduction to HCI
Disciplines

⚫ Computer Science
⚫ Cognitive Psychology
⚫ Social Psychology
⚫ Ergonomics/Human Factors
⚫ Linguistics
⚫ Artificial Intelligence
⚫ Philosophy, Sociology & Anthropology
⚫ Engineering & Design
1. Introduction to HCI
Computer Science

⚫ technology
⚫ software design, development &
maintenance
⚫ UIMS & UIDEs
⚫ prototyping tools
⚫ graphics

1. Introduction to HCI
Cognitive Psychology

⚫ information processing
⚫ capabilities
⚫ limitations
⚫ cooperative working
⚫ performance prediction

1. Introduction to HCI
Other Disciplines

⚫ social & organizational structures


⚫ safety, efficiency & reliability
⚫ natural language interfaces
⚫ intelligent software
⚫ CSCW (Computer Supported Co-operative
Work)
⚫ graphic design

1. Introduction to HCI
Additional Reading
Human Computer Interaction Shaping Web Usability:
Jenny Preece Interaction Design in
Context
Albert N. Badre

Interaction Design: Beyond The Elements of User


Human-Computer Experience
Interaction
J. Preece, Yvonne Rogers, Jesse James Garrett
Helen Sharp

1. Introduction to HCI
Additional Reading
Designing Web Usability: The
Practice of Simplicity
Jakob Nielsen

Information Architecture for the World


Wide Web
Louis Rosenfeld, Peter Morville

1. Introduction to HCI

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