Introduction to Human-Computer Technology

Introduction to HCI

1. INTRODUCTION TO
HUMAN COMPUTER INTERACTION
Prepared by: Sanie G. Bautista

2. WHAT IS HCI?

3. HCI
Human-Computer Interaction(HCI)isa
multidisciplinaryfieldofstudyfocusingonthedesign
ofcomputertechnologyand,inparticular,thereaction
betweenhumans(theusers)andcomputers.

4. •ACM: discipline concerned with the design, evaluation
and implementationof interactive computing systems
for human use and with the study of major phenomena
surrounding them (1992)
•Dix: “HCI is study of people, computer technology and
the ways these influence each other. We study HCI to
determine how we can make this computer technology
more usable by people” (1998)
•Carroll: “HCI is the study and practice of usability. It is
about understanding and creating software and other
technology that people will want to use, will be able to
use, and will find effective when used.” (2002)

5. Main Components of HCI
•Human: Individual user, a group of users working together, a
sequence of users in an organization
•Computer: Desktop computer, large-scale computer system,
Pocket PC, embedded system (e.g., photocopier, microwave
oven), software (e.g., search engine, word processor)
User interface: Parts of the computer that the user
contacts with
•Interaction: Usually involve a dialog with feedback & control
throughout performing a task (e.g., user invokes “print”
command and then interface replies with a dialog box)

6. Why HCI is Important?
•In the past, computers were expensive & used by
technical people only
•Now, computers are cheap and used by non-
technical people (different backgrounds, needs,
knowledge, skills)
⇒Computer and software manufacturers have
noticed the importance of making computers “user-
friendly”: easy to use, save people time, etc.
How to achieve “user-friendliness” in computer design?

7. HCIPRINCIPLES

8. Principles of HCI
1.Know the User
-the interaction and interface should cater to the needs
and capabilities of the target user of the system in design
2.Understand the Task
-task refers to the job to be accomplished by the user
through the use of the interactive system
3.Reduce Memory Load
-humans are certainly more efficient in carrying out
tasks that require less memory burden, long or short
term.

9. Principles of HCI
4.Strive for Consistency
-consistency and familiarity lead to higher acceptability
and preference
5.Remind Users
-provide continues reminder about important
information or action to be performed
6.Prevent Errors
-the interaction and interface should be designed to
avoid confusion and mental overload
7.Naturalness
-Naturalness refers to a trait that is reflective of various
operations in our everyday life

10. HCIGOALS

11. HCI Goals
Develop & Improve
•Safety
•Utility
•Effectiveness
•Efficiency
•Usability
•Appeal

12. HCI Goals
•Safety
-protecting the user from dangerous conditions and
undesirable situations.
Example:
Warning for exit before save.

13. •Utility
-extent of providing the right kind of functionality so
that users can do what they need or want to do.
Example:
A lot of word processing functions is provided.

14. •Effectiveness
-concern a user’s ability to accomplish a desired goal
or to carry out work
Example
Find a master thesis in our library Web.

15. •Efficiency
-a measure of how quickly users can accomplish their
goals or finish their work using the system
Example:
•Find a book “Human-Computer Interaction” in our
library web
•How about a master thesis?
•How about a newest book in the subject of “Human-
Computer Interaction”

16. •Usability
-ease of learning and ease of use
Example:
•Can I use the basic functions of a new digital
camera without reading the manual
•Icons help ease of learning

17. •Appeal
-how well the user likes the system
-First impression
-Long-term satisfaction
Example:
Interface is attractive

18. HCI Goals
•Microsoft Word as an example

19. Microsoft Word

20. ACTIVITY #1
1.Open your cellphone and browse 5 applications you
frequently use.
2.Evaluate each application if they meet the given HCI Goals.
Use the given table below.

21. ACTIVITY #1
1.Open your computer and browse 5 applications/software
you frequently use.
2.Evaluate each application/software if they meet the given
HCI Goals. Use the given table below.

22. THANK YOU!