CHAPTER 6: Future Trends and Emerging Technologies in HCI

Introduction:

Human-Computer Interaction, at its core, is concerned with optimizing the synergy between
humans and technology. As we navigate the future, the landscape of HCI unfolds as a canvas where
innovation, creativity, and the human experience converge. This exploration delves into the cutting-
edge trends and technologies poised to redefine how we engage with digital interfaces and, ultimately,
how technology becomes an integral part of our daily lives.

Objective:

By the end of this lesson on Interaction Design, students will be able to:
 Be able to know what is UI animation and tools used in UI Animation
 Understand the Key Aspects of Prototyping

Content:

Module 6: Future Trends and Emerging Technologies in HCI

 User Interface Animation
 Voice User Interfaces (VUI)
 Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) in HCI
 Natural User Interfaces (NUI)
 Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI)

Prototyping and Evaluation

Topic 1:
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Introduction

In human-computer interaction (HCI), UI animation has emerged as a captivating and effective

tool for enhancing user experiences. It goes beyond mere aesthetics, breathing life into digital
interfaces and transforming them into interactive entities that engage, inform, and guide users
seamlessly through their digital journeys.

UI animation encompasses a diverse range of techniques, from subtle micro-interactions that

respond to user actions to captivating transitions that seamlessly connect different sections of an
interface. Each animation serves a specific purpose, whether it's providing visual feedback,
emphasizing important elements, or creating a sense of delight and anticipation.

What is UI animation?

UI animation is the process of adding motion to UI elements to enhance the user experience. It
can be used to make interfaces more engaging, easier to understand, and more user-friendly.

Why is UI animation important?

UI animation can be used to achieve a number of benefits, including:

 Improved user engagement: Animations can make interfaces more visually appealing and
engaging, which can help to keep users interested and focused.
 Enhanced usability: Animations can be used to guide users through tasks and provide
feedback, which can make interfaces easier to use.
 Increased brand awareness: Animations can help to establish a consistent brand identity and make
products more memorable.

Types of UI animation:

There are a number of different types of UI animation, including:

 Micro-animations: These are small animations that are triggered by specific user actions, such as
hovering over a button or clicking a link.
 Transition animations: These are animations that are used to transition between different states of an
interface, such as opening a menu or closing a modal.
 Loading animations: These are animations that are used to indicate that something is loading, such
as when a page is loading or a file is downloading.

The Principles of UI animation:

There are a number of principles that can be followed to create effective UI animations, including:

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 Purposeful animations: Animations should have a clear purpose and should not be used for
decoration alone.
 Performance optimization: Animations should be optimized to perform well on all devices, including
low-powered devices.
 User control: Users should be able to control animations, such as by turning them off or adjusting the
speed.

Tools for UI animation:

There are a number of tools available for creating UI animations, including:

 Adobe After Effects: A professional-grade animation software.

 Sketch: A prototyping tool that includes animation features.
 Framer: A JavaScript library for creating animations.

Voice User Interfaces (VUI)

What is a VUI?

A voice user interface (VUI) is a type of user interface that allows users to interact with a product or
service using their voice. VUIs are becoming increasingly popular as they offer a number of advantages
over traditional graphical user interfaces (GUIs), such as:

 Hands-free interaction: VUIs allow users to interact with products and services while their hands
are free, which can be useful in situations where it is not possible or convenient to use a keyboard
or mouse.

 Accessibility: VUIs can be used by people with visual impairments or other disabilities who may
find it difficult to use GUIs.

 Natural interaction: VUIs allow for a more natural and intuitive way to interact with technology, as
users can speak in their own way and do not need to learn complex commands or gestures.

How does a VUI work?

VUIs typically use a combination of speech recognition and natural language processing (NLP) to
understand user commands. Speech recognition converts the user's speech into text, while NLP
analyzes the text to understand the user's intent. The VUI then responds to the user's command by
providing information or performing an action.

Types of VUIs:

There are two main types of VUIs:

Embedded VUIs: These VUIs are built into devices, such as smartphones or smart speakers.

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Cloud-based VUIs: These VUIs are hosted on a server and can be accessed from any device with an
internet connection.

Examples of VUIs, Some popular examples of VUIs include:

 Siri: Apple's VUI assistant

 Alexa: Amazon's VUI assistant
 Google Assistant: Google's VUI assistant
 Cortana: Microsoft's VUI assistant
 Bixby: Samsung's VUI assistant

Benefits of VUIs:

VUIs offer a number of benefits over traditional GUIs, including:

1. Increased productivity: VUIs can help users to be more productive by allowing them to interact
with products and services without having to stop what they are doing.
2. Improved accessibility: VUIs can make products and services more accessible to people with
disabilities.
3. Enhanced user experience: VUIs can provide a more natural and intuitive way to interact with
technology.

Challenges of VUIs

While Voice User Interfaces (VUIs) offer a novel and convenient way for users to interact with
technology using natural language, they are not without their challenges. Designing and implementing
effective VUIs requires careful consideration of various factors to ensure a seamless user experience.
Despite their many benefits, VUIs also present a number of challenges, including:

 Speech recognition accuracy: Speech recognition technology can sometimes misinterpret what
users say, which can lead to frustration and confusion.
 Natural language processing: NLP technology is still in its early stages of development, and it
can sometimes be difficult for VUIs to understand complex or ambiguous language.
 Privacy concerns: VUIs collect a lot of data about users, which raises concerns about privacy.

Future of VUIs:

VUIs are still a relatively new technology, but they are rapidly evolving. As speech recognition
and NLP technology continue to improve, VUIs will become more accurate and sophisticated. This will
lead to a wider adoption of VUIs and their integration into a wider range of products and services.

Augmented Reality (AR)

Introduction:

The AR and VR lies the concept of blurring distinctions between the digital and physical worlds,
ushering in a new era of interactive experiences. Augmented Reality overlays digital information onto

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the user's view of the real world, enhancing their perception and interaction with the environment. On
the other hand, Virtual Reality immerses users in a completely digital environment, providing an
alternate reality that can be both simulated and interactive. Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality
(VR). These immersive technologies have transcended the boundaries of traditional interfaces, offering
users the ability to engage with digital content in ways that mimic or augment the physical world.

What is Augmented reality (AR) ?

is a technology that overlays digital information onto the real world, creating a composite view. AR can
be used for a variety of purposes, including:

 Enhancing information access: AR can provide users with real-time information about their
surroundings, such as directions, product information, or historical facts.
 Improving productivity: AR can help users to be more productive by providing them with hands-
free access to information and tools.
 Creating immersive experiences: AR can be used to create immersive experiences, such as
games and simulations.

What is Virtual Reality (VR)?

Virtual reality (VR) is a technology that creates a simulated environment that users can interact with. VR
can be used for a variety of purposes, including:

 Training and simulation: VR can be used to provide realistic training simulations for a variety of
industries, such as medical, military, and industrial training.
 Entertainment: VR is a popular platform for gaming and other entertainment experiences.
 Design and prototyping: VR can be used to design and prototype products and environments
before they are built.

AR and VR in HCI

AR and VR are having a significant impact on HCI. These technologies are changing the way we
interact with computers and the world around us. Here are some of the ways that AR and VR are being
used in HCI:

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 Navigation and wayfinding: AR can be used to provide users with real-time directions and
wayfinding information.
 Information overlays: AR can be used to overlay information onto the real world, such as product
information, historical facts, or real-time data feeds.
 Gesture recognition: AR can be used to recognize gestures and use them to interact with objects
in the real world.
 Immersive experiences: VR can be used to create immersive experiences for training,
entertainment, and design.

Challenges of AR and VR in HCI

As Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) continue to reshape the landscape of
Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), they bring forth a host of transformative possibilities along with
unique challenges. Crafting seamless and immersive digital experiences requires addressing these
challenges to ensure that AR and VR technologies can fulfill their potential across diverse domains.
Here, we delve into the complexities and hurdles faced in the integration of AR and VR within the realm
of HCI. Despite their many benefits, AR and VR also present a number of challenges, including:

 Hardware limitations: AR and VR hardware can be expensive and bulky, which can limit their
adoption.
 Content creation: Creating high-quality AR and VR content can be time-consuming and
expensive.
 User acceptance: Some users may be hesitant to adopt AR and VR due to privacy concerns or
motion sickness.

Future of AR and VR in HCI

The future of AR and VR in HCI is bright. As hardware and software continue to improve, AR
and VR will become more accessible and affordable. This will lead to a wider adoption of these
technologies and their integration into a wider range of products and services.

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What is a Natural User Interface (NUI)?

A natural user interface (NUI) is a user interface that allows users to interact with a computer or
device using natural methods of communication, such as touch, gesture, speech, or eye movements.
NUIs are designed to be more intuitive and user-friendly than traditional graphical user interfaces
(GUIs), which rely on keyboard, mouse, and menus.

Why are NUIs important? NUIs are important because they offer a number of advantages
over traditional GUIs, including:

 Increased accessibility: NUIs can be used by people with disabilities who may find it difficult to
use GUIs.
 Enhanced user experience: NUIs can provide a more natural and intuitive way to interact with
technology.
 Improved productivity: NUIs can help users to be more productive by allowing them to interact
with computers without having to stop what they are doing.

The four main types of NUIs:

1. Touch-based NUIs: These NUIs rely on touch gestures, such as tapping, swiping, and pinching, to
interact with computers.
2. Gesture-based NUIs: These NUIs rely on hand gestures, body movements, and facial expressions
to interact with computers.
3. Speech-based NUIs: These NUIs rely on voice recognition to understand user commands and
respond to them.
4. Eye-based NUIs: These NUIs rely on eye tracking to understand where users are looking and to
control objects on a screen.

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Examples of NUIs:

 Smartphones: Smartphones use a combination of touch, gesture, and speech-based NUIs.

 Smart speakers: Smart speakers use speech-based NUIs to interact with users.
 Virtual reality headsets: Virtual reality headsets use a combination of gesture-based and eye-
based NUIs.
 Automotive infotainment systems: Automotive infotainment systems use a combination of touch
and speech-based NUIs.

Benefits of NUIs:

 More natural interaction: NUIs allow users to interact with computers in a way that is more natural
and intuitive.
 Hands-free interaction: NUIs allow users to interact with computers without having to use their
hands, which can be useful in situations where it is not possible or convenient to use a keyboard or
mouse.
 Accessibility: NUIs can be used by people with disabilities who may find it difficult to use GUIs.

Challenges of NUIs Despite their many benefits, NUIs also present a number of challenges, including:

 Accuracy: NUI technologies, such as speech recognition and gesture recognition, are not always
100% accurate, which can lead to frustration and confusion.
 Privacy concerns: NUIs collect a lot of data about users, such as voice recordings and eye
movements, which raises concerns about privacy.
 User acceptance: Some users may be hesitant to adopt NUIs due to privacy concerns or
unfamiliarity with the technology.

Future of NUI’s

The future of NUIs is bright. As NUI technologies continue to improve, NUIs will become more
accurate, reliable, and user-friendly. This will lead to a wider adoption of NUIs and their integration into
a wider range of products and services.

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What is a Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) and how does it work?

A brain-computer interface (BCI) is a system that allows a person's brain to control external
devices or software. BCIs can be used to restore communication and mobility to people with disabilities,
and they have the potential to revolutionize the way we interact with computers and technology.

BCIs work by measuring the electrical activity of the brain, which is known as
electroencephalography (EEG). EEG signals can be used to detect patterns of brain activity that
correspond to specific thoughts, intentions, or commands. These signals are then processed by a
computer, which translates them into commands that can be used to control external devices or
software.

Types of BCIs

There are two main types of BCIs:

1. Invasive BCIs: These BCIs involve implanting electrodes directly into the brain. Invasive BCIs can
provide more accurate and reliable signals than non-invasive BCIs, but they are also more risky
and invasive.
2. Non-invasive BCIs: These BCIs measure brain activity from outside the skull, using techniques
such as EEG or magnetoencephalography (MEG). Non-invasive BCIs are less risky and invasive
than invasive BCIs, but they are also less accurate and reliable.

Applications of BCIs BCIs have a wide range of potential applications, including:

 Restoring communication: BCIs can be used to restore communication to people with paralysis or
other disabilities that prevent them from speaking or writing.
 Restoring mobility: BCIs can be used to control robotic limbs or other assistive devices, restoring
mobility to people with paralysis.
 Controlling external devices: BCIs can be used to control computers, smartphones, and other
devices using thought commands.
 Neurofeedback: BCIs can be used to train people to control their own brain activity, which can be used
to treat conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and epilepsy.

BCIs offer a number of benefits over traditional methods of communication and control, including:

 Direct control: BCIs allow users to control devices directly with their thoughts, rather than relying on
physical movements or intermediaries.
 Speed: BCIs can be used to control devices very quickly, which can be important for people with
disabilities who need to communicate or move quickly.
 Hands-free control: BCIs allow users to control devices without using their hands, which can be useful
in situations where it is not possible or convenient to use their hands.

Challenges of BCIs:

Despite their many benefits, BCIs also present a number of challenges, including:

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 Accuracy: BCIs are not always 100% accurate, which can lead to frustration and confusion.
 Speed: BCIs can be slow, which can be frustrating for users who need to communicate or move
quickly.
 Cost: BCIs can be expensive, which limits their availability.
 Privacy concerns: BCIs collect a lot of data about users' brain activity, which raises concerns about
privacy.
 Ethical concerns: There are ethical concerns about the use of BCIs, such as the potential for mind
control or the use of BCIs to exploit or harm people.

Future of BCIs:

The future of BCIs is bright. As BCI technology continues to improve, BCIs will become more accurate,
reliable, and affordable. This will lead to a wider adoption of BCIs and their integration into a wider
range of products and services.

Lets Remember

VUIs are a powerful tool that can be used to improve the user experience and make products
and services more accessible. As VUI technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more
innovative and transformative applications of this technology in the years to come. Addressing these
challenges requires a holistic approach, combining advancements in natural language processing, user
experience design, and ongoing user feedback to continually refine and enhance Voice User Interfaces.
As technology evolves, overcoming these challenges will contribute to the seamless integration of voice
interactions into our digital experiences. BCIs are a powerful tool that has the potential to revolutionize
the way we interact with computers and technology. As BCI technology continues to evolve, we can
expect to see even more transformative applications of BCIs in the years to come.

References:
E-Book:
 Rogers, Y., Sharp H., & Preece, J.(2023) Interaction Design: Beyond Human-Computer
Interaction 6th Edition. Wiley
 Dix, A. et al (2023) Human-Computer Interaction 3rd Edition. Pearson
 Ardito, C. et. al. (2021) Human-Computer Interaction – INTERACT 2021. Springer
 Johnson, J (2020) Designing with the Mind in Mind: Simple Guide to Understanding User

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Interface Design Guidelines 3rd Edition. Morgan Kaufmann

 Becker, C. R.(2020) Learn Human-Computer Interaction. Packt Publishing

Internet:
 What is Human Computer Interaction. (n.d.). Interaction Design Foundation.
https://www.interaction-design.org/literature/book/the-encyclopedia-of-human-computer-
interaction-2nd-ed/human-computer-interaction-brief-intro
 https://agileapplied.com/2017/11/18/mental-models/
 https://xinyicui.medium.com/ui-ux-strategy-a-guide-to-paper-prototype-sketching-
3c475ce560f9
 https://www.justinmind.com/prototyping/paper-prototype

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COLLEGE OBJECTIVES

1. Offer comprehensive academic programs responsive to industry needs.

2. Provide extensive and specialized training in Information Technology both for faculty and students.
3. Sustain linkages in industries, communities, research institutes, and professional organizations.
4. Develop student's potential trough involvement and extra-curricular activities.

MSIT 102 : Fundamentals of Information System Page #