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Human Computer Interaction (HCI)

Chapter 2 discusses the components of a computer system, including input and output devices, memory, processing, and networking, and their impact on human-computer interaction. It highlights various input methods such as keyboards, touchscreens, and speech recognition, as well as display technologies and virtual reality applications. The chapter concludes by emphasizing the importance of understanding these elements to create more intuitive and efficient user interactions.

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Abubakar Siddiq
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4 views3 pages

Human Computer Interaction (HCI)

Chapter 2 discusses the components of a computer system, including input and output devices, memory, processing, and networking, and their impact on human-computer interaction. It highlights various input methods such as keyboards, touchscreens, and speech recognition, as well as display technologies and virtual reality applications. The chapter concludes by emphasizing the importance of understanding these elements to create more intuitive and efficient user interactions.

Uploaded by

Abubakar Siddiq
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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Chapter 2: The Computer

This chapter explores the various components of a computer system and how they influence
human-computer interaction.

1. Components of a Computer System

 Input Devices: Tools to provide data to the computer (e.g., keyboard, mouse,
touchscreen).
 Output Devices: Tools for displaying information (e.g., monitors, printers, VR devices).
 Memory: Includes RAM for temporary storage and hard drives for permanent data.
 Processing: Determines how quickly tasks are performed.
 Networking: Enables communication between devices and systems.

2. Interaction with Computers

 Understanding the input-output cycle and the system’s capabilities is key to designing
better interactions.
 Devices like screens, keyboards, and sensors affect the way users interact with
computers.

3. Text Entry Devices

 Keyboards: The most common input device; includes variations like QWERTY and
ergonomic designs.
o QWERTY is not optimal but widely used due to social habits.
o Alternatives like Dvorak are faster but not widely adopted.
 Phone Pads and Predictive Text (T9): Designed for efficient text input on smaller
devices.
 Handwriting Recognition: Allows natural interaction using a stylus, though technical
challenges exist.
 Speech Recognition: Useful for specific tasks but struggles with external noise and large
vocabularies.
4. Pointing and Drawing Devices

 Mouse: Common for precise movements; works with either mechanical or optical
tracking.
 Touchpad: Popular in laptops, uses finger strokes for navigation.
 Joysticks and Trackballs: Used in gaming or CAD applications for precision.
 Touchscreens: Allow direct interaction with displays but can be imprecise for small
targets.
 Stylus: Offers accuracy for drawing or handwriting but can obscure the screen.

5. Display Devices

 Bitmap Displays: Screens made up of pixels; resolution and color depth impact clarity.
 Anti-aliasing: Smooths edges for better visual quality.
 LCDs: Modern displays with less eye strain compared to older CRTs.
 Large Displays and Public Screens: Used for presentations or public information.

6. Virtual Reality and 3D Interaction

 Devices: Includes VR headsets, gloves, and motion trackers.


 Applications: Used for simulations, gaming, or immersive experiences.
 Challenges: Motion sickness can occur due to lag or conflicting visual cues.

7. Physical Controls and Sensors

 Examples include car pedals, security systems, and environmental sensors.


 Devices like haptic feedback tools provide touch-based interaction (e.g., vibrations in
games).

8. Memory and Storage

 RAM (Short-term Memory): Temporary and fast, but data is lost when power is off.
 Hard Drives (Long-term Memory): Store data permanently and have higher capacity.
 Compression: Reduces file sizes, with formats like JPEG for images and MP3 for audio.
9. Processing and Networks

 Processing Speed: Impacts how quickly tasks are completed.


 Networks: Enable access to shared resources and the internet but can experience delays.
 Moore’s Law: Observes that computer processing power doubles approximately every
18 months.

10. Printing and Scanning

 Printers: Convert digital data into physical output.


o Types include dot-matrix, inkjet, and laser printers.
 Scanners: Convert physical documents into digital files, enabling OCR (Optical
Character Recognition).

Conclusion

Understanding the components and functionalities of a computer helps in designing systems that
align with human capabilities, making interactions more intuitive and efficient.

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