HCInteraction_Enhanced_Presentation.pptx

HCI

1. Introduction to Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) Understanding the User, User Research Methods, and Cognitive Psychology Prepared by: [Your Name]

2. Chapter 3: Introduction to Understanding the User • Understanding users is essential for designing intuitive and accessible systems. • HCI focuses on user needs, behaviors, and expectations. • Key aspects: User demographics, accessibility, experience levels, and goals. • A user-centered design approach leads to better usability and satisfaction.

3. Understanding User Characteristics • **Demographics** – Age, education level, culture, and tech literacy. • **Psychological Factors** – Cognitive abilities, memory load, attention span. • **Physical Abilities** – Motor skills, vision, hearing, and disabilities. • **User Context** – Where and how users interact with a system (mobile, desktop, voice interface). **Example:** A banking app should consider older users who may struggle with small text or complex navigation.

4. Designing for Accessibility • Ensuring that systems are usable for people with disabilities. • **Key Principles:** - Use **alternative text** for images (for screen readers). - Provide **keyboard navigation** options. - Use **high contrast** for readability. **Example:** Websites following **WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines)** provide accessible experiences for visually impaired users.

5. Chapter 4: User Research Methods • User research is crucial for gathering insights into user needs and behaviors. • Methods help designers improve interfaces based on real data. • Research is divided into **qualitative** (user experience) and **quantitative** (measurable data).

6. Key User Research Methods 1. **Interviews & Surveys** – Collect user feedback on needs and pain points. 2. **Usability Testing** – Observe users interacting with a system. 3. **A/B Testing** – Compare two UI versions to measure effectiveness. 4. **Heuristic Evaluation** – Experts review UI based on usability principles. 5. **Ethnographic Research** – Study users in their natural environment. **Example:** Amazon uses A/B testing to refine their checkout process for better conversion rates.

7. Case Study: Google Search Usability • Google constantly optimizes its search experience based on user research. • **Research Methods Used:** - Eye-tracking to analyze where users focus on the page. - A/B testing of new search features. - Surveys to collect feedback on search relevance. **Outcome:** Improved search suggestions, faster load times, and better ranking algorithms.

8. Chapter 5: Cognitive Psychology and User Interaction • Understanding how users **think, process information, and interact with interfaces**. • Cognitive psychology helps reduce cognitive load and improve efficiency. • **Key Areas:** Memory, problem-solving, attention, decision-making.

9. Key Cognitive Principles in HCI 1. **Mental Models** – Users form expectations based on past experiences. - Example: A floppy disk icon represents 'Save' because users associate it with past software. 2. **Cognitive Load** – The mental effort required to use a system. - Example: Reducing the number of steps in a checkout process lowers cognitive load. 3. **Fitts’ Law** – The time to reach a target depends on its size and distance. - Example: Large buttons in mobile apps improve touch accuracy.

10. Gestalt Principles in UI/UX Design • **Proximity:** Related elements should be close together. • **Similarity:** Use consistent fonts, colors, and styles. • **Figure-Ground:** Separate background from key elements. • **Closure:** Users recognize incomplete shapes as whole. • **Continuity:** Elements aligned smoothly are perceived as a group. **Example:** Grouping menu options improves readability and navigation.

11. Case Study: Facebook UI Improvements • Facebook improves usability based on **cognitive psychology** principles. • **Changes Based on Research:** - Simplified news feed layout for better readability. - Larger interactive buttons to align with **Fitts’ Law**. - Personalization to match user mental models. **Impact:** Increased engagement and user retention.

12. Thank You! For discussions, feel free to ask. Prepared by: [Your Name]