HUMAN- COMPUTER INTERACTION

Table of Contents
List of figure ................................................................................................................................... ii
1. Introduction ............................................................................................................................. 1
1.1. Goals of HCI .................................................................................................................... 2
2. How that technology was developed and who are contributors (who developed it) ............. 3
3. How HCI Works ...................................................................................................................... 6
4. Advantage and dis advantage of human-computer interaction ............................................... 7
4.1. Advantages: ...................................................................................................................... 7
4.2. Disadvantages: ................................................................................................................. 7
5. Applications area of Human-Computer Interaction ................................................................ 8
6. Summary/Conclusion .............................................................................................................. 9
7. Reference .................................................................................................................................. 10

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List of figure

Figure 1:WordStar Software Application ....................................................................................... 3

Figure 2: Microsoft Word Software Application ............................................................................ 4
Figure 3:Lotus 123 Software Application....................................................................................... 4
Figure 4: Microsoft Excel Software Application ............................................................................ 4
Figure 5:Mobile Phone Technology ............................................................................................... 5
Figure 6: Input Devices Technology............................................................................................... 5
Figure 7: Laptop, Smart Phone and Tablet Technology ................................................................. 5

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 1. Introduction
• Interacting with technology has become an essential part of everyday life for the
majority of people.

• The average user of a computer system is now less likely to understand the technology.
Since, there are different types of technology they have to use.

• People are busy and may spend little or no time actually learning a new system.

• Therefore, computer systems should be easy to use, easy to learn, and with no errors.

• To design and develop of such a system is a major concern of HCI

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.

As its name implies, HCI consists of three parts: the user, the computer itself, and the ways
they work together.

User

By "user", we may mean an individual user, a group of users working together. An appreciation
of the way people's sensory systems (sight, hearing, touch) relay information is vital. Also,
different users form different conceptions or mental models about their interactions and have
different ways of learning and keeping knowledge.

Computer
when we talk about the computer, we're referring to any technology ranging from desktop
computers, to large scale computer systems. For example, if we were discussing the design of a
Website, then the Website itself would be referred to as "the computer". Devices such as
mobile phones or can also be considered to be “computers”.
Interaction (the way they work together)
There are obvious differences between humans and machines. In spite of these, HCI attempts to
ensure that they both get on with each other and interact successfully. In order to achieve a

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usable system, you need to apply what you know about humans and computers, and consult
with likely users throughout the design process. In real systems, the schedule and the budget
are important, and it is vital to find a balance between what would be ideal for the users and
what is feasible in reality [1].

Human-computer interaction (HCI) is the study of designing, implementing, and evaluating

the interactive interfaces used by humans and computers. People who specialize in HCI think
about how to design and implement computer systems that satisfy human users.

HCI has always been a part of technology and design, but it is on the rise as technology
becomes more integrated with our daily lives. HCI is a vital skill for any developer, product
manager, or designer who wants to design for the future.

Today, we will introduce you to HCI and explore its fundamental design principles, models,
and processes [2].

1.1. Goals of HCI

The principal objective of HCI is to develop functional systems that are usable, safe, and
efficient for end-users. The developer community can achieve this goal by fulfilling the
following criteria:

✓ Have sound knowledge of how users use computing systems

✓ Design methods, techniques, and tools that allow users to access systems based on their
needs

✓ Adjust, test, refine, validate, and ensure that users achieve effective communication or
interaction with the systems

✓ Always give priority to end-users.

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 2. How that technology was developed and who are contributors
(who developed it)
The history of HCI dates back to the 1960s when the first computer systems were
developed. At the time, the focus was on developing efficient and reliable systems for
scientific and military applications. However, as computers became more widespread,
the need for user-friendly interfaces became more apparent. In the 1970s and 1980s,
pioneers in the field of HCI, such as Douglas Engelbart and Alan Kay, began to explore
the design of interactive systems that were more intuitive and accessible to non-experts.

In the 1990s, HCI became a more established field, with the development of new
technologies such as graphical user interfaces (GUIs) and the World Wide Web. HCI
researchers and practitioners began to focus on designing systems that were not only
efficient but also enjoyable to use. Today, HCI is a rapidly evolving field, with new
technologies and trends emerging all the time.

Some Example Images that Defines HCI Implementation in Software/Hardware/Gadget

Development

✓ Software Application Development

▪ WordStar → Microsoft Word

Figure 1:WordStar Software Application

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 Figure 2: Microsoft Word Software Application

▪ Lotus 123 → Microsoft Excel

Figure 3:Lotus 123 Software Application

Figure 4: Microsoft Excel Software Application

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 ✓ Some Hardware and Gadget Technology Development

Figure 5:Mobile Phone Technology

Figure 6: Input Devices Technology

Figure 7: Laptop, Smart Phone and Tablet Technology

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 3. How HCI Works

HCI works by designing computer systems and interfaces that are optimized for human use.
This involves understanding the needs, abilities, and limitations of users, and developing
technologies that are intuitive, efficient, and effective.

There are several key principles that guide HCI design:-

• Usability it refers to the ease with which users can learn and use a system. HCI
designers strive to create systems that are easy to use and require minimal training, so
that users can quickly and efficiently accomplish their goals.
• Accessibility it refers to the ability of all users to access and use a system, regardless of
their physical or cognitive abilities. HCI designers must take into account factors such
as color blindness, hearing impairment, and mobility limitations, and design systems
that are inclusive and accessible to all.
• HCI design also involves considering the context in which users will be using a system.
This includes factors such as the user's environment, the task they are trying to
accomplish, and the device they are using. For example, a system designed for use on a
mobile device may need to have a different interface than a system designed for use on
a desktop computer, in order to optimize the user experience.

To design effective HCI systems, designers must also have a deep understanding of the
underlying technologies and programming languages that are used to build them. This includes
knowledge of programming languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, as well as
knowledge of user interface design principles, data structures, and algorithms.

Finally, HCI design is an iterative process that involves constant testing and refinement.
Designers must gather feedback from users, analyze usage data, and make changes to the
system based on this feedback. This process allows designers to continually improve the user
experience and ensure that the system is meeting the needs of its users.

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 4. Advantage and dis advantage of human-computer interaction
HCI has both advantages and disadvantages, which are outlined below:
4.1. Advantages:

✓ Improved usability: HCI focuses on designing systems that are easy to use and require
minimal training, which can improve user satisfaction and productivity.
✓ Increased accessibility: HCI design takes into account the needs of users with physical
or cognitive disabilities, which can improve accessibility and inclusivity.
✓ Enhanced user experience: HCI design focuses on creating systems that are intuitive
and efficient, which can improve the overall user experience and lead to increased user
engagement.
✓ Better task performance: HCI design can improve task performance by reducing errors,
increasing efficiency, and optimizing the user interface for specific tasks.
✓ Increased productivity: HCI design can improve productivity by reducing the time
required to complete tasks and by streamlining workflows.

4.2. Disadvantages:

✓ Complexity: HCI design can be complex and time-consuming, and may require
specialized knowledge and skills.
✓ Cost: Developing systems with optimal HCI design can be expensive, as it often
requires extensive user testing and evaluation.
✓ Limited flexibility: HCI design can sometimes limit the flexibility of a system, as it may
prioritize ease of use over customization or advanced functionality.
✓ Potential for errors: Even with optimal HCI design, there is always the potential for user
error or system malfunction, which can lead to frustration and decreased productivity.

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 5. Applications area of Human-Computer Interaction

HCI has a wide range of application areas, as it is relevant to any computing system that
involves human interaction. Some of the most common application areas of HCI include:

✓ Software development: HCI is essential for designing software that is intuitive and easy
to use, which can improve user satisfaction and productivity.
✓ User interface design: HCI is critical for designing user interfaces that are optimized for
human use, and that provide a seamless user experience.
✓ Human-robot interaction: HCI is important for designing robots and other autonomous
systems that can interact with humans in a natural and intuitive way.
✓ Gaming: HCI is used to design video games that are engaging, immersive, and easy to
play, and that provide a satisfying user experience.
✓ Mobile computing: HCI is essential for designing mobile applications that are
optimized for small screens, touch-based input, and on-the-go use.
✓ Healthcare: HCI is used to design medical devices and software that are easy to use and
accessible to patients with a wide range of abilities and disabilities.
✓ Education: HCI is important for designing educational software and systems that are
engaging and effective, and that support a variety of learning styles and abilities.
✓ E-commerce: HCI is essential for designing e-commerce websites and applications that
are easy to use and navigate, and that provide a satisfying user experience.
✓ Industrial control systems: HCI is critical for designing industrial control systems that
are safe, efficient, and easy to use, and that can be operated by workers with a wide
range of abilities and training.

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 6. Summary/Conclusion

In conclusion, HCI is a multidisciplinary field that focuses on optimizing how users interact
with computers by designing interactive computer interfaces that satisfy users’ needs. It is a
two-way communication between a man and a machine that optimizes computer design and
user experience. The field emerged in the 1980s with the rise of personal computing, and today,
it focuses on designing, implementing, and evaluating interactive interfaces that enhance user
experience. The goal of HCI is to create user-friendly systems that are functional, safe, and
intuitive for less-experienced users. HCI offers several advantages, including ease of
deployment, scalability, and cost savings. Additionally, HCI can improve workload
performance, increase reliability, and provide a more user-friendly experience, which can
ultimately lead to greater success in business.

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7. Reference
[1] Introduction to HCI

[2] Introduction to Human-Computer Interaction & Design ...

[3] Human-Computer Interaction in a Smart House

[4] Human Computer Interaction - brief intro

[5] The Evolution of Human-Computer Interaction | Introduction

[6] A Brief History of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)

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