Chapter 1

INTRODUCTION TO HUMAN-COMPUTER INTERACTION (HCI)

Learning Objectives:

 The students will be able to do the following by the end of the lesson:
 Identify the meaning of HCI and its importance to computer user;
 Explain the importance of ergonomics and human factors in HCI;
 Demonstrate the progress and development of HCI over the past years; and
 Identify the relation of HCI in working environment or workplace.

What is HCI?

Human-computer interaction (known as HCI) is a field of study focused on interfaces between users and
computers. HCI observes the way how humans associate with computers to produce efficient and useful
interaction, examining and observing some factors based on how humans use technology and establish
designs and programs to enable applicable systems.

History of HCI

In 1970s, the study of HCI started as a specialization in computer science that transformed into a
multifaceted community of tech professionals. Below is the progression of HCI over the past years and
how it attracts specialists from several disciplines and incorporating diverse theories and procedures to
develop an interactive system. Nowadays, humans are looking forward to the upbringing of HCI and
finding solutions to solve the problem of society.

Figure 1. Desktops & Mental Models

Desktops & Mental Models
(1980s-1990s)

The main focus of HCI when creating a system is the concept of usability derived from the slogan 'easy
to learn and easy to use'. This perception gave ideas and integrity in computing and affected computer
science and technology development more widely and productively. However, there were countless
opportunities for computing, but at first, desktop computers were not very useful tools.

Desk metaphor. It was the most significant design idea that was popularized by the Apple Macintosh
and the reason why most of us can interact with the computer system. With features of having files and
folders displayed as an icon, people became used to double-clicking, dragging icons around their
displays, and losing track of things on their computer interfaces just as they do on their physical
desktops. Those were just more extensive effort to apply mental models.

Mental modeling and human factors engineering were encouraging factors in developing software. All
the matter in this era was the usability and learning factors affecting the performance of a human in
completing the task.

Figure 2. Collaboration & Communication

Collaboration & Communication
(1990s - Early 2000s)

In this period, HCI developers changed the concept and focus from the cognitive model to interactive
design. When computers became known as an instrument for communication, the explanation of how it
will be processed and how it will work in the real world could no longer describe the deeper meaning of
computer application. It is essential to explore external influences and study how interactions modified
across tools and organizations.

In this era, people were not just associating with each other - they were using computers to interact.
Electronic mail (Email) gained its popularity and started to become relevant to people. The result of this
was the growing interest in how people used the computer to promote Interaction and collaboration,
indicating the growth of informative and organizational computing.

Using interfaces influenced behavior of every person in so many aspects of their life. As an outcome, it
expanded to the point where they needed to study different expertise of anthropologists, sociologists,
and psychologists so they could inquire about information regarding social components of human-
computer interaction.

Figure 3. Social Change, Social Expression

Social Change, Social Expression
(mid 2000s- 2010s)

The period of self-expression, social-awareness, and self-reflection. Throughout this era, value-driven
design including social, emotional, psychological or business forms a vital role that would lead to
engaging associations and planning for sustainable change that could benefit something necessary.
People were encouraged to study the purpose of technology in our living and the paradox of living
"alone together" when people change their attention to particular devices in social settings.

Emphasizing factors determining the complexity of a system to manage the interactive design across
spaces, people, and technology. Acknowledging qualities to obtain informative, satisfaction,
entertainment, and exploration becomes fundamental to the design.

The different period has various ideas on how they would come up to the problems of HCI and how they
develop it to sustain the demands of their users. Seeing ideas will influence designers to know the
possible design to prevent complexity in a particular system. Over the past years, HCI continues to
evolve and let us see the progression and development of HCI in the future.

Related to Ergnomics and Human Factors

Ergonomics is all about studying people's efficiency in their workplace. However, people heard
complaints and grumbling of employees and students coming from the different organizations who had
experienced discomfort at work and school. As a result, they cannot be productive and useful as they
want to because of a lack of knowledge in ergonomics and human factors.

Figure 4 Ergonomics and Human Factors

Requiring information in ergonomics and human factors is necessary within the workplace or
organization to recognize the effectiveness and strength of the employees, students or any profession in
their particular job and allowing them to study the health and security aspects when performing a
system as it develops essential morale: lack of interest amongst workers or students from their
workplace or school; due to discomfort felt from working on a computer and improved productiveness,
which eventually develops comfortability and willingness to exert effort. Ergonomics is about 'fit within
a working environment' means, the capability and comfortability of a person in the working
environment is the main priority to achieve good performance and productivity in a working
environment. Although, ergonomics and human-computer interaction are broad subjects they are
related to each other somehow because HCI and ergonomics have the same goal to provide a user-
friendly environment and making sure that technology is advancing in such a way that will aid in human
needs.

Challenges and Problems

1. Human-technology symbiosis - The problem of the symbiosis of humans by an intelligent environment
is complicated and multi-faceted, spreading beyond technological limits to a multi-disciplinary strategy
to also address moral, societal, and rational compelling problems.

2. Human-environment interaction Using technology is no longer for recreational purposes,

communicating with one another via email, dragging icons on the displays, etc. It is now used beyond
desk metaphor, beyond the original design of keyboard and pointer to touch and gestures. The quality
of modern technology was improved and independent that will develop unexpected implications and
difficulties as it becomes more advanced. As a result, the traditional affordance was no longer available
are not entirely aware of the new interaction design implemented.

3 Ethics, privacy and security - It has been a major concern in technology on how they establish new
codes of ethics in fundamentals privacy concerns, online social networks, healthcare technologies,
biometrics, Internet of things and big data, intelligent environments, and cybersecurity. HCI analysis
should strengthen actions about privacy and security in the modern intelligence era.

4. Well-being, health and eudaimonia - The issues are own medical devices and self-tracking, a serious
game for health, ambient assisted living, and intelligence in healthcare.

5. Accessibility and universal access HCI and IT application were supposed to be used on an equal basis
despite the status of your life, whether a person with disabilities or older person. Providing accessibility
is not a new notion in technology, it must be open to all to produce a quality of life of diverse
populations.
6. Learning and creativity - Traditionally, people think technology is just for education and creativity.
However, learning how to design engaging systems that are captivating someone's interest is paramount
importance.

7. Social organization and democracy - In times of need, appropriate technological support must be
addressed some factors affecting environmental challenges such as excessive use of energy, climate
change, pollution, famine, etc. towards societies. These issues of sustainability, fairness, active citizen
participation and equality must be pursued and discussed.

Computer Themes

Figure 5. Computer Themes

HCI theme is the idea that people working with a computer system should come first. Considering their
capabilities, demands, preference on a particular task should direct the perception of developers in a
way that they design systems to achieve the 'fit in' or having comfortable using with the system, they
don't have to change the way they use it. Instead, the system should be composed of principles and
concept to match their requirements.

IMPORTANCE OF HUMAN COMPUTER INTERACTION

In our daily life:

Today, computers are a part of our daily lives. Our life is affected in some way by computing. HCI is an
important factor when designing any of these systems or interfaces. HCI principles should be consulted
and considered to ensure the creation of a safe, usable, and efficient interface.

In business and industry:

HCI is an important consideration for any business that uses computers in their everyday operation.
Well-designed usable systems ensure that staff are not frustrated during their work and as a result are
more content and productive. HCI is especially important in the design of safety critical systems, such as,
for example, those found in power plants, or air traffic control centers. Design errors in these situations
can have serious results, possibly resulting in the death of many people.

Accessibility

HCI is a key consideration when designing systems that are not only usable, but also accessible to people
with disabilities. The core philosophy of HCI is to provide safe, usable, and efficient systems to everyone,
and this includes those with different sets of abilities and different ranges of expertise and knowledge.
Any system properly designed with HCI user-centered techniques and principles will also be maximally
accessible to those with disabilities.

Software Success

Good use of HCI principles and techniques is not only important for the end user, but also is a very high
priority for software development companies. If a software product is unusable and causes frustration,
no person will use the program by choice, and as a result sales will be negatively affected.

Untrained users

Today, very few computer users actually read the manual accompanying the software, if one exists. Only
very specialised and advanced programs require training and an extensive manual. Computer users
expect to understand the main functionality of an average program within a few minutes of interacting
with it. HCI provides designers with the principles, techniques, and tools necessary to design effective
interfaces that are obvious and easy to use, and do not require training.

IMPLICATIONS OF HCI IN ECONOMY

Increase automation

Machines can now work constantly without having a break producing more accurate outputs than
manual labors. Increasing automation leads to improving productivity.

Quicker and accurate inputs

High technology devices can read data automatically making thing much easier, quicker, more accurate
and reducing complexity than manual inputs. Speed up and accurate inputs leads to quicker and correct
outputs.
Shop at ease

Shopping online is more convenient for users since they can purchase whatever they want without
needing to leave their home.

Mobile communication

Allows different companies to make a deal or talk about the business over the internet or phone lines
reducing both time and money for going manually.

Specialized interfaces

Technologies like voice input, text-to-speech and thought input helps disable people to interact with the
computer more efficiently and that affect to economy because even disable people would be useful
person which in turns improve the productivity of the economy.

IMPLICATION OF HCI IN SOCIETY

Ease of communication

The ways we communicate is no longer limited to letters or face to face. Mobile technology has enabled
people to communicate to anyone, anywhere, whenever they want.

Improved usability

Later electronic devices make sure the input and output process are as simple and easy for the user as
possible. Examples of user friendly devices are touch screen, voice recognition and motion-sensing
controller.

Remote control

Remote controlled machines have been created for the purpose of allowing people to explore
dangerous environments in complete safety. This is a much safer way to go these missions than sending
in real people.

Specialized interface

High technology devices allow people with disabilities to help themselves without much help from
anyone
IMPLICATION OF HCI IN CULTURE
Improved social aspect

Everyone gets a chance to learn about other cultures and traditions. Being able to understand one
another will prevent causing offence and will open up new relations to other countries..

Minimized language barriers

Computers and smartphones can now help to translate other languages just by typing or saying words in
native language and it will respond with translations in their chosen language.

Develop living standards

HCI enabled people to communicate without having to be connected to something by a wire, people
tend to surf on Internet for information rather than reading hardback book, and even young children
nowadays are exposed to a lot of technology.

Deskilling

Deskilling work is when one's job is replaced with a machine which will be people will dependent on
machinery limiting their ability and thinking power t able to do the job quicker, faster and for a lot
cheaper. As technology improves, know how things will work.

ADVANTAGES OF HUMAN COMPUTER INTERACTION

1. Discoveries in all industries

Technological advances allow people to find a more efficient way of doing things, and these processes
deliver positive results.

For example, education has made great strides in technological advances in computers. Students are
able to learn on a global scale without the need to leave their classrooms.

Thanks to advances in technology, farmers' processes that once required dozens and dozens of human
workers can now be automated. This implies greater cost efficiency for farmers.

Medical discoveries occur at a much faster frequency, because machines and computers can aid in the
research process; can allow intense educational research into medical issues.

2. Cost efficiency

Through technology it is possible to improve processes and execute new ways of carrying out tasks.
Thanks to this, machines can produce the same results as humans - or even better results - in certain
industries.
This results in cost savings for business owners, since it allows them to invest these resources in the
growth of other areas of the business, which in turn has a positive effect on the economy in general.

3. Easy to access information

Access to relevant information anytime, anywhere has become commonplace. This has been possible
thanks to modern technologies such as broadband internet.

Much information is making published and attached on online sites; many websites have original
content that can be used for research or entertainment.

Small devices, such as smart cell phones and tablets, allow users to easily access information, as these
computers use the Internet. These elements facilitate access to the network and this simplifies the way
in which we obtain information.

4. Better communication

It can be said that communication is like water for life: we can not develop without communication.
Modern technology has developed many advanced technology tools in the field of communication.

These tools include e-mail, cell phones, video conferencing, instant messaging applications and social
networking applications. All of these modern communication tools have simplified the way humans and
businesses communicate.

5. Improvements in way of travelling

Modern transportation technologies make it very easy to travel over long distances. Transport is an
important element in the lives of humans and the business world.

In the past, it used to be expensive and slow to travel across long distances. They can currently cover 10
miles away in just a few minutes or hours, using airplanes or trains.

DISADVANTAGES OF HUMAN COMPUTER INTERACTION

1. Weapons of Mass Destruction

Modern technology has been the great ally in the increase and permanence of many wars and conflicts.
Technology helps in the manufacture of modern war weapons that require testing. So, when these
weapons reach the hands of criminals, they can use them for selfish reasons causing great harm to
society.

2. Social isolation

Social isolation is increasing; people are spending more time playing video games, learning how to use
modern technologies, using social networks and surfing the Internet, ignoring their real lives.
Technology has replaced the old way of interacting. For example, if a user can easily interact with 100
friends online, he may not feel the need to go out and make friends in real life. Unfortunately, later on
this leads to loneliness and depression.

3. Dependency

As a society advances more in the technological field, people begin to rely

more on computers and other forms of technology for their daily existence.

This means that when a machine breaks down or has a breakdown, humans can become almost useless
until the problem is solved. This kind of dependence on technology places people at a distinct
disadvantage because they become less self-sufficient.

4. Lower value of human workers

As technology advances in industries and jobs, human workers have less value. Machines automate
processes and can do the work of ten people with a single computer; companies may not need to
employ so many people to do a job.

As machines and computers become increasingly advanced and more efficient, this will continue to be a
major disadvantage of technology and will be a global impact issue.

5. Reduction of creativity and change in reasoning

Increased dependence on modern tools, such as calculators, has reduced creativity. This can be clearly
seen in both young people and adults. Generally, they cannot perform a simple mathematical equation
without the help of a calculator. This affects the way humans use their brains and reduces their level of
creativity.