Human Computer Interaction HCI

In the last 20 years, the introduction of the graphical user interface (GUI) has revolutionised the ways in which users interact with computers, known as human computer interaction (HCI). After completing this unit, you should be able to achieve these outcomes:

Know about the impact of HCI on society, economy and culture. Understand the fundamental principles of interface design Be able to design and produce simple interactive computer input and output based on HCI principles Be able to compare and contrast, using HCI principles, the effectiveness of different designs of input and output.

Development Probably the most recognised graphical user interface (GUI) is that used on PCs (personal computer) Probably the most recognised graphical user interface (GUI) is that used on PCs (personal computer) Microsoft Windows was based on the earlier Macintosh model. Microsoft Windows was based on the earlier Macintosh model. Windows version was introduced in the mid-1980s. Windows version was introduced in the mid-1980s.

Historically, early HCI designs were restricted by the hardware. Users were required to type in lengthy code into the computer just to log in. Historically, early HCI designs were restricted by the hardware. Users were required to type in lengthy code into the computer just to log in. Commodore 64 in the mid 80s, BBC B Micro and Amstrad, all competing for the market share during the 1980s. Commodore 64 in the mid 80s, BBC B Micro and Amstrad, all competing for the market share during the 1980s. C:\ prompt with operating systems such as MS DOS C:\ prompt with operating systems such as MS DOS

Command Line Editor DOS, operating system – C:\ prompt would appear on the screen, the user could create a structure such as copying, renaming and moving files (my computer) DOS, operating system – C:\ prompt would appear on the screen, the user could create a structure such as copying, renaming and moving files (my computer) However with CLE, typed text was ignored until the Return key was hit; then the computer interpreted the command and a response appeared on the screen (or not!)

Early designs US graduate Ivan Sutherland developed a program called the Sketchpad, which was inspired by research into how humans learn. US graduate Ivan Sutherland developed a program called the Sketchpad, which was inspired by research into how humans learn. Developments at Xerox WIMP model became available in the early 1980s. Developments at Xerox WIMP model became available in the early 1980s. WIMP-windows, icons, menus and pointers.

Apple In 1984 the Macintosh computer appeared In 1984 the Macintosh computer appeared GUIs in the form of a computerised desktop, icons that were images, files, rubbish bin with the addition of a mouse, enabling the user to locate documents and put them in the bin and click on them to open them. This desktop design has truly influenced how users interact with computers today

Research Task – Key Players Group A – Alan Key Group A – Alan Key Group B – Bill Gates Group B – Bill Gates Group C – Steve Jobs/Steve Wozniak Group C – Steve Jobs/Steve Wozniak Research the above and as a group prepare notes/presentation to present to class on whiteboard. Research the above and as a group prepare notes/presentation to present to class on whiteboard. 30 minutes – for research and prep, 5 mins presentation 30 minutes – for research and prep, 5 mins presentation