At a Glance Notes: [Chapter 1] Introduction to Human Computer Interaction (HCI)
1. HCI (Human Computer Interaction)
Definition: The study of people and computing, and how they influence each other, serving as a bridge between humans and computers with usability as the main focus. Subtopics/Characteristics:
- Human + Computer + Interaction formula
- Increase individual and organizational productivity
- Improve safety and reduce health hazards
- Reduce development costs
- Safe to use systems
- Easy to learn systems
- Easy to use systems
2. Evolution of Computer Interfaces
Definition: The historical progression of computer interfaces from exclusive, expert-only systems in the 1950s to today’s ubiquitous computing environment where computing is seamlessly integrated into daily life. Subtopics/Characteristics:
- 1950s-60s: Expensive, exclusive club computing
- Punch cards and magnetic tape
- 1970s: Personal computers and CLI
- 1980s: GUI revolution (Xerox Star)
- 1984: Macintosh mainstream GUI
- 1987: Windows entry
- 1990s-2000s: Mainstream computing
- Present-Future: Ubiquitous/Pervasive computing
3. User Interface (UI)
Definition: Everything the user can see, hear, and touch when interacting with a system, representing the “face” of the system that users directly interact with. Subtopics/Characteristics:
- Screen (visual output)
- Keyboard (text input)
- Mouse (pointing device)
- Speakers (audio output)
- Microphone (voice input)
- Physical buttons
- Lights (status indicators)
- Hand-tracking gloves
- Eye trackers
- Modern interaction methods
4. Usability
Definition: How well users can use the interface to accomplish their goals, measured through three core components defined by ISO 9241-11:2018 standard. Subtopics/Characteristics:
- Effectiveness (completeness and accuracy)
- Efficiency (resources used vs. results achieved)
- Satisfaction (physical, cognitive, emotional responses)
- Goal achievement measurement
- Task completion speed
- User comfort and acceptability
- System performance evaluation
5. User Experience (UX)
Definition: The person’s perceptions and responses from using or anticipating using a product, focusing on the emotional layer and overall feeling created by the system. Subtopics/Characteristics:
- Enjoyable and fun experiences
- Entertainment and motivation
- Aesthetic and rewarding interactions
- Emotional fulfillment
- Information provision
- Positive emotional responses
- Human-centered communication
- Empathetic design approaches
6. Interdisciplinary Nature of HCI
Definition: The requirement for expertise from multiple fields to create effective interactive systems, as no single discipline can address all aspects of human-computer interaction. Subtopics/Characteristics:
- Computer Science (software construction)
- Cognitive Psychology (information processing)
- Ergonomics/Human Factors (working environment)
- Social and Organizational Psychology (group dynamics)
- Technology capabilities and limitations
- Human capabilities and limitations
- Tool and environment design
- Collaborative work understanding
7. Development Approaches
Definition: Two contrasting methodologies for system development: the traditional linear waterfall approach versus the iterative HCI framework that emphasizes user involvement and continuous refinement. Subtopics/Characteristics:
- Waterfall Approach (linear sequence)
- HCI Framework (iterative approach)
- Analysis, Design, Program, Test, Operational phases
- Study users & tasks
- Design prototype
- Usability testing
- User involvement timing
- Iteration and refinement cycles
8. PACT Analysis
Definition: A systematic framework for understanding the context before designing any interface by analyzing People, Activities, Contexts, and Technologies involved in the usage scenario. Subtopics/Characteristics:
- People (physical and psychological characteristics)
- Activities (time factors, complexity, safety criticality)
- Context (physical, social, usage environment)
- Technologies (input/output methods, platform constraints)
- Usage patterns and frequency
- Environmental constraints
- Safety considerations
- Platform capabilities