Introduction to Human-Computer Interaction, Lecture notes of Human-Computer Interaction Design

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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.

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

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

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:

Factors affecting usability

 format of input  style of feedback  visibility  affordance

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)

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.

Disciplines

 Computer Science  Cognitive Psychology  Social Psychology  Ergonomics/Human Factors  Linguistics  Artificial Intelligence  Philosophy, Sociology & Anthropology  Engineering & Design

Computer Science

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

Other Disciplines

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

Additional Reading

Human Computer Interaction Jenny Preece Interaction Design: Beyond H uman-Computer Interaction J. Preece, Yvonne Rogers, Helen Sharp Shaping Web Usability: Inte raction Design in Context Albert N. Badre The Elements of User Ex perience Jesse James Garrett