This topic will provide an overview of the field of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), its importance, history, key concepts, and the relationship between humans and technology.
Introduction to Human‑Computer Interaction (HCI)
Key concepts, principles, and foundational ideas for designing usable interactive systems.
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Definition | The interdisciplinary study of how people interact with computers, software, and digital devices, and how to design those systems to be effective, efficient, and satisfying. |
| Goals | • Usability – ease of learning and use • Utility – providing the right functionality • User Experience (UX) – overall satisfaction, emotions, and aesthetic appeal |
| Disciplines Involved | Computer science, psychology, design, ergonomics, sociology, linguistics, anthropology, engineering. |
| Concept | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| User | The person (or group) who interacts with the system. | End‑user of a mobile banking app. |
| Task | Goal‑oriented activity the user wants to accomplish. | “Transfer money to a friend.” |
| Interface | The medium through which the user and system communicate. | Graphical UI, voice assistant, VR headset. |
| Feedback | System’s response that informs the user about the result of an action. | A toast message “Message sent.” |
| Affordance | Perceived properties of an object that suggest how it can be used. | A button that looks pressable. |
| Mapping | Relationship between controls and their effects. | Turning a knob clockwise increases volume. |
| Mental Model | User’s internal representation of how a system works. | Expecting a “trash can” icon to delete files. |
| Context | Physical, social, and technical environment influencing interaction. | Using a smartwatch while jogging. |
User Research
Requirement Specification
Conceptual Design
Detailed Design
Implementation
Evaluation
Iteration
| # | Heuristic | Practical Check |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Visibility of system status | Show progress indicators, real‑time feedback. |
| 2 | Match between system & real world | Use familiar terminology, natural language. |
| 3 | User control & freedom | Provide “undo”, “cancel”, and easy navigation. |
| 4 | Consistency & standards | Keep icons, terminology, and layout uniform. |
| 5 | Error prevention | Disable invalid actions, confirm destructive |