Unit 604: Human-Computer Interaction

1. Introduction to Human-Computer Interaction

• Definition and scope of HCI
• Historical evolution of HCI
• Importance of HCI in modern technology
• Key components: users, computers, tasks, context

2. Human Factors in Design

• Overview of human capabilities and limitations
• Cognitive psychology in HCI
  • Perception, memory, attention
• Ergonomics and physical interaction considerations
• Usability principles: effectiveness, efficiency, satisfaction

3. User Interface Design Principles

• Affordance and signifiers
• Feedback mechanisms
• Consistency and standards
• Visibility and mapping
• Error prevention and recovery
• Minimalism and aesthetic design

4. User Research Methods

• Purpose and importance of user research
• Qualitative methods: interviews, observations
• Quantitative methods: surveys, questionnaires
• Contextual inquiry and ethnographic studies
• Usability testing: formative and summative

5. Prototyping and Interaction Design

• Role of prototyping in HCI
• Low-fidelity vs. high-fidelity prototypes
• Paper prototyping, wireframes, interactive prototypes
• Interaction design process steps
• Iterative design and refinement

6. Accessibility and Inclusive Design

• Principles of accessibility
• Designing for diverse abilities and disabilities
• Assistive technologies and standards (e.g., WCAG)
• Inclusive design strategies to address diversity

7. User Experience (UX) Design

• Defining User Experience
• Emotional design and user perceptions
• Holistic UX approach: usability, pleasure, engagement
• Measuring and improving user satisfaction

8. Human-Centered Design Approaches

• Design Thinking methodology
• User-Centered Design (UCD) process
• Involving users throughout design phases
• Case studies and real-world applications

9. Usability Evaluation Techniques

• Heuristic evaluation principles and heuristics
• Planning and conducting usability tests
• Eye tracking and other advanced evaluation tools
• Interpreting evaluation results and reporting

10. Emerging Trends in Human-Computer Interaction

• Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)
• Voice user interfaces and conversational agents
• Artificial Intelligence and adaptive systems
• Future directions and challenges in HCI