Fundamentals of Human Computer Interaction (HCI)

What is HCI? HCI is concerned with The aim of HCI is Designing computer systems to match the needs of its users The aim of HCI is “…to develop or improve the safety, utility, effectiveness, efficiency, and usability of systems that include computers” (Interacting with Computers, 1989 )

What is HCI? HCI draws from the knowledge and methods of many different disciplines, chiefly computer science cognitive psychology social sciences ergonomics or human factors

HCI and Computer Science Computer Science contributes knowledge about technology and a wide assortment of software tools and methods for design and development Graphical User Interfaces Prototyping tools and techniques Object orientation etc.,

HCI and Cognitive Psychology Cognitive Psychology contributes knowledge about the capabilities and limitations of its users. Human Information Processing Perception Memory

Social Psychology Social science contributes explanations about the structure and functions of humans in collective behaviour organisational theory task analysis

HCI and Ergonomics Ergonomics contributes an understanding of the environment in terms of the comfort, health and safety, and optimally productive conditions for work Screen layout design, colour etc., Design of software and hardware

HCI Design HCI design should be user-centred integrative of contributing disciplines highly iterative Evaluation should be at the centre of all HCI design activity

The Components of HCI Task analysis/ Implementation Functional analysis Implementation Requirements Specification Prototyping Evaluation Conceptual design/ formal design