Human computer interaction
Lecture 1
Lecture content
Principles of HCI
Critique interface design using the principles of HCI
User interaction using different IT applications
What is HCI
HCI (human-computer interaction) is the study of how people interact with computers and
to what extent computers are or are not developed for successful interaction with human
beings.
As its name implies, HCI consists of three parts:
the user, The computer itself, and the ways they work together
PARTS OF HCI
User
By "user", we may mean an individual user, a group of users working together. An appreciation of the
way people's sensory systems (sight, hearing, touch) relay information is vital. Also, different users
form different conceptions or mental models about their interactions and have different ways of
learning and keeping knowledge and. In addition, cultural and national differences play a part.
Computer
When we talk about the computer, we're referring to any technology ranging from desktop
computers, to large scale computer systems. For example, if we were discussing the design of a
Website, then the Website itself would be referred to as "the computer". Devices such as mobile
phones or VCRs can also be considered to be “computers”.
Interaction
There are obvious differences between humans and machines. In spite of these, HCI attempts to
ensure that they both get on with each other and interact successfully. In order to achieve a usable
system, you need to apply what you know about humans and computers, and consult with likely
users throughout the design process. In real systems, the schedule and the budget are important, and
it is vital to find a balance between what would be ideal for the users and what is feasible in reality.
The Goals of HCI
The goals of HCI are to produce usable and safe systems, as well as functional systems. In order o produce
computer systems with good usability, developers must attempt to:
understand the factors that determine how people use technology
develop tools and techniques to enable building suitable systems
achieve efficient, effective, and safe interaction
put people first
Underlying the whole theme of HCI is the belief that people using a computer system should come first.
Their needs, capabilities and preferences for conducting various tasks should direct developers in the way
that they design systems.
People should not have to change the way that they use a system in order to fit in with it. Instead, the
system should be designed to match their requirements.
Usability
Usability is one of the key concepts in HCI. It is concerned with making systems easy to
learn and use. A usable system is:
easy to learn
easy to remember how to use
effective to use
efficient to use
safe to use
enjoyable to use
Components of HCI
Accessibility
Usability
Adaptability
Accessibility
People will be excluded from accessing interactive systems for any of a number of reasons:
1. Physically
2. Conceptually
3. Economically
4. Cultural exclusion
5. Social exclusion
Physically
inappropriate siting of equipment.
input and output devices making
excessive demands on their abilities.
For example, an ATM may be positioned
too high for a person in a wheelchair to reach,
a mouse may be too big for a child’s hand or
a mobile phone may be too fiddly
for someone with arthritis to use.
Conceptually
cannot understand complicated instructions
obscure commands
cannot form a clear mental model
of the system.
Economically
cannot afford some essential technology.
Cultural exclusion
designers making inappropriate
assumptions about how people
work and organize their lives.
For example, using a metaphor
based on American football would
exclude those who do not
understand the game.
Social exclusion
equipment is unavailable at an appropriate time and place.
people are not members of a particular social group and cannot understand particular social
mores or messages.
Approaches to designing for
accessibility
Overcoming these barriers to access is a key design consideration.
Two main approaches:
1. design for all (universal design)
2. inclusive design
Design for all
1. Varying ability is not a special condition of the few but a common characteristic of being
human and we change physically and intellectually throughout our lives.
2. If a design works well for people with disabilities, it works better for everyone.
3. At any point in our lives, personal self-esteem, identity
and well-being are deeply affected by
our ability to function in our
physical surroundings with a sense
comfort, independence and control.
4. Usability and aesthetics are mutually compatible.
Factor of HCI
There are a large number of factors which should be considered in the analysis and design of a system using HCI principles. Many
of these factors interact with each other, making the analysis even more complex. The main factors are listed in the table below:
Organization Factors
Training, job design, politics, roles, work organisation
Environmental Factors
Noise, heating, lighting, ventilation
Health and Safety Factors
The User
Cognitive processes and capabilities
Motivation, enjoyment, satisfaction, personality, experience
Comfort Factors
Seating, equipment, layout.
User Interface
Input devices, output devices, dialogue structures, use of colour, icons, commands, navigation, graphics, natural language, user
support, multimedia,
Task Factors
Easy, complex, novel, task allocation, monitoring, skills
Constraints
Cost, timescales, budgets, staff, equipment, buildings
System Functionality
Hardware, software, application
Productivity Factors
Increase output, increase quality, decrease costs, decrease errors, increase innovation
Principles of universal design
Equitable use: The design does not disadvantage or stigmatize any group of users.
Flexibility in use: The design accommodates a wide range of individual preferences and
abilities.
Simple, intuitive use: Use of the design is easy to understand, regardless of the user's
experience, knowledge, language skills, or current concentration level.
Perceptible information: The design communicates necessary information effectively to
the user, regardless of ambient conditions or the user's sensory abilities.
Principles of universal design
Tolerance for error: The design minimizes hazards and the adverse consequences of
accidental or unintended actions.
Low physical effort: The design can be used efficiently and comfortably, and with a
minimum of fatigue.
Size and space for approach and use: Appropriate size and space are provided for
approach, reach, manipulation, and use, regardless of the user's body size, posture, or
mobility.
Ensuring an Accessible System
As a way of ensuring an accessible system, designers should:
1. include people with special needs in requirements analysis and testing of existing
systems;
2. consider whether new features affect users with special needs (positively or negatively)
and note this in the specification;
3. take account of guidelines - include evaluation against guidelines;
4. include special needs users in usability testing and beta tests.
