Kufa Journal of Engineering

Vol. 14, No. 4, October 2023, P.P. 23-41

Article history: Received date 26 June 2023, accepted date: 10 August 2023

HUMAN-COMPUTER INTERACTION: ENHANCING USER

EXPERIENCE IN INTERACTIVE SYSTEMS
Harem A. Kheder1
1Asst. Lecturer, Computer engineering Department, College of Engineering and
Computer Science, Lebanese French University, Erbil, Iraq. Email:
[email protected]

HTTPS://DOI.ORG/10.30572/2018/KJE/140403

ABSTRACT
In this research, we investigate how human-computer interaction (HCI) can be used to improve
the user experience (UX) of interactive systems. Studies in cognitive psychology, information
processing, and human factors are examined as they relate to the development of HCI. It
highlights how HCI has shifted its focus from functionality to user-friendliness, teaching
ability, efficiency, enjoyment, and emotion. To better understand the current state of HCI and
UX research, practice, and theory, a systematic literature study is performed. Focusing on users'
goals wants, and characteristics at every stage of the design process is central to user-centered
design (UCD) ideas and approaches, which are discussed at length in this article. We investigate
usability testing as a crucial technique for bettering HCI, focusing on its advantages in
pinpointing usability problems, boosting system efficacy, and boosting user pleasure. Methods
for creating tests, finding participants, collecting data, and analyzing results are discussed. The
importance of prototype methods in HCI and user-centric design is also emphasized in the
study. This article delves into the practice of creating prototypes to collect user feedback, iterate
designs, and perfect interactive systems. Techniques covered include paper prototyping,
interactive wireframes, and high-fidelity prototypes. We propose interaction design frameworks
like the User-Centered Design Process (UCDP) and the Double Diamond model to help
designers prioritize users when developing interactive systems. The study also delves into how
technologies like augmented reality, virtual reality, natural language processing, machine
learning, and gesture-based interfaces have revolutionized HCI in recent years. The paper
defends user-centric design's place in HCI, pointing out how UX affects user happiness,
participation, and output. Researchers and practitioners in HCI and software engineering can
greatly benefit from this paper's findings.

KEYWORDS: Human-computer interaction, HCI, User Experience, Software,

UCD.
24 Kheder

1. INTRODUCTION
HCI, or human-computer interaction, is crucial to the development of interactive systems, as its
primary goal is the production of user-friendly interfaces. Human-computer interaction (HCI)
is becoming increasingly important as we rely more and more on digital systems, gadgets, and
apps in our daily lives. This paper's issue statement centers on the need of putting the user first
in HCI development. The end-users experience is often overlooked in favor of technical details
in conventional system design. This divide limits the extent to which interactive systems can
provide for user requirements, which in turn decreases usability, user pleasure, and productivity.
The primary goal of this study is to investigate methods that can improve HCI through user-
centric design. Interactive systems can be made more user-friendly, interesting, and productive
if we put the user's needs, wants, and habits at the forefront of the design process (Cano et al.,
2022).

1.1. Research questions

The following questions will serve as our investigation's focal points:

• What are the most important guidelines for HCI user-centered design?

• How can we make use of user research and personas to guide the development of interactive
systems?

• In the framework of user-centered design, what are the ideal methods for iterative design
and prototyping?

• What can user feedback and usability testing do to help HCI get better?

• In what ways may new and developing technologies revolutionize HCI and enhance the
user experience?

• What problems arise when trying to put user-centric design principles into practice, and
how may these problems be fixed?

1.2. Significance of the study

In user-centric design, the user's wants, needs, and previous experiences are prioritized. By
learning about users' knowledge, habits, and objectives, we can design interactive systems that
are simple, effective, and pleasurable to use. Improved user happiness, more productivity, fewer
mistakes, and a more pleasant overall experience are all the results of a design process that puts
the user first (Bar-Or et al., 2022).
 Kufa Journal of Engineering, Vol. 14, No. 4, October 2023 25

The purpose of this study is to emphasize the need for HCI practitioners to adhere to user-
centric design principles. To design user-friendly interactive systems, it is crucial to take into
account the user's goals, mental models, and the setting in which the system will be used.

1.3. Literature review

Here, we'll do a deep dive into the research on HCI, UX, and user-centric design that's already
been done elsewhere. We'll talk about how to create interactive systems and the theories,
concepts, and processes that go into doing so. We'll also go through some of the most cutting-
edge methods for improving HCI, such as user-centered design, usability testing, and
prototyping.

1.4. HCI and user experience

Cognitive psychology, information processing, and human factors research all lay the
groundwork for human-computer interaction (HCI). The field of cognitive psychology has
contributed greatly to the development of HCI by highlighting the significance of this
understanding of human thought processes. Donald Norman and others have pointed out how
important it is to design user interfaces with humans' attention, memory, and information
organization in mind (Kosch, Welsch, et al., 2023).

The study of information processing has also aided in the progress of HCI. It delves into how
people take in, process, store, and retrieve data, all of which have a direct bearing on the design
of user interfaces. Designers can improve the user experience by creating interfaces that
improve the efficiency with which information is processed.

HCI also relies heavily on studies of human factors. Its focus is on optimizing design for safety,
efficiency, and user happiness by studying the dynamic between humans and their technological
surroundings. Ergonomics, user comfort, and a natural flow between humans and interactive
technologies are the emphasis of this study (Antona et al., 2023).

There has been a major shift in recent years towards user-centered techniques in HCI, with a
spotlight on User Experience (UX). This change recognizes the importance of users' wants,
needs, and preferences to the success of interactive systems. The term "user experience" (UX)
refers to more than just the operation of a product.

The ease with which users may navigate a system and complete their goals is important to UX
design. Efficiency, efficacy, and interaction mistakes are all things that need to be assessed.
The ease with which users can pick up the controls and find their way around a system is a
26 Kheder

measure of its learnability. Improved learnability is a result of intuitive interfaces and

constructive criticism (Said, 2023).

How quickly and easily users can accomplish their goals inside a given system is directly tied
to its efficiency. The time and effort spent doing tasks can be minimized with a well-designed
interface, increasing user productivity. User satisfaction, on the other hand, refers to their
feelings of happiness and fulfillment as a result of interacting with a product or service.
Aesthetics, feedback, and perceived utility all play a role in how happy a person is with a
product (Castro et al., 2022).

UX incorporates emotional components in addition to usability, learnability, efficiency, and

enjoyment. It is essential to consider the users' feelings when designing a system. User
engagement and happiness can be dramatically improved by giving thought to how the design
looks, sounds, and feels.

Numerous research has demonstrated how UX affects user happiness, participation, and output.
For instance, Rogers et al., (2023) created the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), which
investigates how user acceptance and happiness are affected by their perceptions of the
technology's ease of use and utility (Rogers et al., 2023). User Experience Honeycomb
highlights UX's holistic aspect and effect on user satisfaction by identifying seven components
of UX. Positive emotional experiences are hypothesized to contribute to user engagement and
satisfaction, as proposed by Donald Norman's Emotional Design paradigm.

Kivijärvi and colleagues' UX Impact Scale offers a standardized method for gauging the value
of user experience in terms of customer retention and advocacy. The increasing importance of
UX in HCI is reflected in these research efforts and conceptual frameworks. The design of
interactive systems can improve user pleasure, engagement, and productivity if it takes into
account factors such as usability, learnability, efficiency, satisfaction, and emotional aspects
(Kivijärvi & Pärnänen, 2023a).

1.5. User-Centered design

UX design methods that put users' wants, needs, and preferences first are known as user-
centered design (UCD). Putting users first means including them in every phase of
development, from brainstorming to testing. For successful and accessible interactive systems,
UCD acknowledges that understanding the intended users and their context of use is crucial
(Kivijärvi & Pärnänen, 2023b).
 Kufa Journal of Engineering, Vol. 14, No. 4, October 2023 27

Different methods are used in UCD to learn about users' habits, preferences, and environments.
Users' tasks, aspirations, and obstacles can be better understood through contextual inquiry if
researchers see and interview them in their natural settings. To get a complete picture,
researchers conducting ethnographic studies immerse themselves in the consumers' culture and
environment. By combining user features and requirements into tangible profiles, persona
creation helps construct fictional representations of user archetypes to inform design decisions.

Numerous studies and case studies attest to UCD's success in enhancing user happiness,
efficiency, and enjoyment. One shining example is Google's recent overhaul of its Maps user
interface (George & George, 2022). Google was able to enhance its user experience by doing
in-depth user research and employing an iterative design process that took into account real-
world usage scenarios and user input. The end effect was enhanced user satisfaction thanks to
a more user-friendly and individualized mapping experience.

The success and efficiency of interactive systems can be gauged, in large part, through usability
testing. User testing, cognitive walkthroughs, and heuristic evaluation are all techniques that
are frequently used. In a heuristic evaluation, trained evaluators use known usability guidelines
to objectively rate a system's user interface. Evaluators can examine the system's usability from
a cognitive standpoint with the help of cognitive walkthroughs, which mimic user tasks. To
gain insight into usability concerns and user preferences, it is helpful to observe and gather
feedback from users as they carry out tasks using the system (George & George, 2022).

Testing for usability has many advantages, such as catching usability problems early in the
design phase, making systems more effective, and making users happier overall. Designers can
learn more about the product's usability and how to improve it by conducting usability tests
with actual end users. More user-friendly and efficient interactive systems can be created with
the aid of usability testing, which helps prioritize design improvements based on user demands
and preferences.

Planning, recruiting participants, gathering data, and analyzing results are all essential parts of
a successful usability test (Soui & Haddad, 2023). The test objectives, test scenarios, and
evaluation criteria are all parts of the test planning process. Recruitment of participants gives a
broad and diversified user base from which to draw insights. Think-aloud procedures,
observation, surveys, and questionnaires are all valid ways of data collection. Classifying and
analyzing user comments, finding patterns in problems, and prioritizing fixes all fall under the
purview of analysis methods (Zhen et al., 2023).
28 Kheder

Usability testing is effective in finding and fixing design faults in several academic research
and real-world cases. Usability testing was used, for instance, to enhance the Dropbox user
interface after it was redesigned. Users' difficulties in file-sharing and collaboration were
uncovered through usability testing, which led to revisions in the design to solve these issues.
As a result, customer happiness and adoption rose thanks to the simpler interface for sharing
files.

Because it enables designers to develop physical representations of interactive systems at an

early stage in the design process, prototyping is an essential part of human-computer interaction
(HCI) and user-centric design. Designers and users can better communicate with one another
when a prototype is used to demonstrate the system's features and interface. Paper prototyping,
interactive wireframes, and high-fidelity prototypes are all forms of prototyping methods, each
with its own set of advantages (Nicolescu & Tudorache, 2022).

Paper prototyping is drawing up mockups of interfaces on paper and modeling user interactions
by hand. It fosters teamwork and feedback by facilitating rapid iterations at a cheap expense.
With the help of digital tools, interactive wireframes may show the user interface in greater
depth. Inviting participation and feedback from users, they aid in the development of an
improved user interface. When it comes to validating design decisions, nothing beats real-world
interaction and user testing with a high-fidelity prototype that's remarkably similar to the
finished product (Su et al., 2022).

2. METHODOLOGY
The research methodology used in the study is a mixed methods approach, meaning that both
qualitative and quantitative methods were used to collect data. The purpose of this research is
to learn how UCD affects users' attitudes towards and experiences with interactive technologies.

User studies, tests, and surveys were just a few of the methods that were used to compile the
data. To better understand user actions, preferences, and environments, the study kicked off
with contextual inquiry and ethnographic research. In this qualitative stage, we gathered
information about users' jobs, goals, and obstacles by seeing and interviewing them in their
natural habitat.

The results of an experiment were used to enhance the qualitative research and provide
numerical evidence of UCD's effectiveness. The participants were split into two groups: one
used a conventionally designed system, while the other was exposed to an interactive system
driven by user-centered design (UCD). Participants were given tasks to complete on each
 Kufa Journal of Engineering, Vol. 14, No. 4, October 2023 29

system, and data on how long it took them to finish and how many times they made mistakes
were recorded.

Surveys were also used to gather subjective input on user happiness and overall experience in
addition to user research and tests. To collect feedback on the usability and layout of the
interactive systems, surveys were distributed with both Likert-scale and free-form questions
(See Appendix).

A broad and representative sample was achieved by the use of predetermined criteria for
selecting participants. The participants were chosen because of their experience with interactive
systems and their similarity to the systems' intended audience. To get a wide spectrum of
opinions, we tried to recruit people from all walks of life and with different levels of experience.

Both qualitative and quantitative methods were used in the data analysis process. Thematic
analysis was used to examine the results of the contextual inquiry, the ethnographic study, and
the free-form survey responses that yielded qualitative data. Important insights and user
preferences were gleaned from the observed patterns and themes.

Statistical approaches were used to analyze the quantitative data gathered from the trials and
surveys. Statistical tests were used to compare experimental group performance metrics with
those of the control group to establish statistical significance. Descriptive statistics were used
to find patterns, frequencies, and averages in the survey data.

To better understand how UCD affects user happiness, productivity, and enjoyment in
interactive systems, researchers combined results from qualitative and quantitative studies.
Discussion of the usefulness of UCD and its implications for creating user-centric interactive
systems were grounded in the findings of the data analysis.

3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

3.1. Contextual inquiry

This study used contextual inquiry and ethnographic research to observe and interview users in
their natural habitat to better comprehend their jobs, aims, and barriers. This qualitative phase
illuminated the setting in which consumers engaged with the investigated interactive
technologies.

Researchers were able to gain a better understanding of users' needs and challenges by watching
them in their natural habitats. Researchers were able to learn more about users' wants, likes,
and frustrations in natural settings by taking this technique. Researchers could see firsthand
30 Kheder

how people used interactive technologies, which would be a great resource for figuring out
what features should be included and what needs to be addressed.

Researchers were able to learn more about the unique contextual aspects that influenced users'
interactions with the interactive devices thanks to the information gleaned from contextual
inquiry and ethnographic study. Knowing the consumers' requirements and expectations, as
well as the limits they faced in their surroundings, was impossible without this data.

Researchers were able to effectively address users' needs by learning about their contexts and
environments, which led to the identification of unique design considerations and requirements.
This information informed the design and development phases that followed, resulting in user-
friendly, efficient, and effective interactive systems. The qualitative information gleaned from
the contextual inquiry and ethnographic study enhanced the team's understanding of the users'
tasks, motivations, and barriers. This data was crucial in guiding the development of the
interactive systems so that they could better meet the requirements of their target audiences.

3.2. Quantitative study

Table 1. Age of respondents.

Valid Cumulative
Frequency Percent Percent Percent
Valid Above 20 7 70.0 70.0 70.0
Above 35 3 30.0 30.0 100.0
Total 10 100.0 100.0

Fig. 1. Age of respondents.

 Kufa Journal of Engineering, Vol. 14, No. 4, October 2023 31

Table 2. Gender of respondents.

Valid Cumulative
Frequency Percent Percent Percent
Valid Male 7 70.0 70.0 70.0
Female 3 30.0 30.0 100.0
Total 10 100.0 100.0

Fig. 2. Gender of respondents.

32 Kheder

Table 3. Descriptive Statistics.

Minimu Maximu Std.

N m m Mean Deviation
How often do you use
technology in routine 10 1.00 3.00 1.7000 .67495
tasks?
Are you familiar with
User-Centered Design 10 1.00 2.00 1.1000 .31623
(UCD)?
Have you ever used a
product or system that
was made using the 10 1.00 2.00 1.1000 .31623
ideas of User-Centered
Design?
Have you done any
kind of user study, like
10 1.00 2.00 1.6000 .51640
contextual inquiry or
ethnographic studies?
On a scale of 1 to 5,
rate your overall task
completion experience 10 3.00 5.00 4.1000 .73786
on interactive
technologies
Do you believe that
User-Centered Design
enhances user
satisfaction and overall 10 3.00 5.00 4.1000 .73786
experience with
interactive
technologies?
Valid N (listwise) 10

A sample of 10 people took the poll to find out how they felt about interactive technologies and
User-Centered Design (UCD) and what they had done with them. The results showed that, on
average, participants used technology for routine jobs about half as often as they should have
and knew a little bit about UCD. They had used UCD-based goods or systems and taken part
in user studies, which shows that they were interested in user research. Participants said that
using interactive technologies to finish tasks was a good experience overall, which backs up
their belief that UCD improves user happiness and the overall experience. Even though these
 Kufa Journal of Engineering, Vol. 14, No. 4, October 2023 33

results show that UCD principles are useful, the small sample size means that more study with
a larger and more diverse group is needed to get a fuller picture.

3.3. Experimental study

Participants' performance on an interactive system driven by User-Centered Design (UCD)
principles was compared to that on a conventionally built system in an experiment conducted
as part of this study. The goal was to determine how well UCD worked to enhance users'
interactions with the system and how much of an effect it had on users' performance.

The study found that individuals who used the UCD-driven system outperformed those who
used the traditionally constructed system. In particular, the UCD-driven approach allowed
participants to finish tasks more quickly and with fewer errors. UCD-driven systems are more
likely to be efficient and user-friendly, as evidenced by their shorter job completion times. UCD
ensured that the system's interface and functionality were in line with users' wants and
preferences by soliciting feedback and using iterative design methods. This allowed for more
effective task performance.

Users made fewer mistakes on the UCD-driven system, suggesting it was easier to navigate and
less likely to cause problems. UCD is a method for designing software with the end goal of
reducing the number of mistakes users make by collecting and analyzing user feedback and
conducting usability tests.

These results prove that user-centered design (UCD) can boost users' efficiency when
interacting with interactive technologies. UCD aids in the development of systems that are more
in sync with users' mental models and workflows by including them in every stage of the design
process and taking into account their views, needs, and preferences. As a result, user
performance improves, productivity rises, and mistakes become less common. The
experimental study's findings lend credence to UCD's usefulness during the interactive system
design and development phases. They stress the significance of implementing UCD principles
for improving user efficiency and satisfaction.

3.4. Survey
Subjective responses were obtained from participants in the survey phase of the project to gauge
their level of contentment with the UCD-based interactive systems. The results of the study
revealed that users' pleasure and satisfaction had increased as a result of UCD.

3.5. Participant selection

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Both Likert-scale and free-form survey results showed that participants rated the usability and
layout of the UCD-driven solutions favorably. Participants' opinions and impressions were
quantified using the Likert-scale questions, while their thoughts and preferences were more
freely expressed in response to the open-ended questions. The study's sample size was
sufficiently large and evenly distributed since participants were selected according to strict
criteria. The study's goal was to increase the findings' generalizability; thus, it recruited people
from a wide range of backgrounds and experience levels. By taking this tack, we were able to
learn more about the wide-ranging effects of UCD on its users.

3.6. Data analysis

The study used thematic analysis with statistical analysis to interpret the data. Important insights
and user preferences for interactive systems were uncovered through thematic analysis of
qualitative data, including survey data. It was useful for spotting trends, themes, and user
requirements hidden in qualitative data.

Quantitative data, such as performance metrics and survey responses, were analyzed
statistically with the right tests to determine whether or not UCD had a statistically significant
effect. Researchers were able to assess the positive effects of UCD on performance and user
satisfaction with this approach. By analyzing the survey results using descriptive statistics, we
were able to learn more about the users' perspectives and preferences. This statistical method
was useful for analyzing and summarizing the survey results.

3.7. Integration of findings

By combining qualitative and quantitative research, we now have a full picture of how UCD
influences users' satisfaction, efficiency, and pleasure. Researchers were able to see the bigger
picture of UCD's effect on users' interactions with interactive systems by merging findings from
both types of data. Discussions based on the synthesized findings emphasized UCD's value and
its implications for developing interactive systems with the user in mind. The results of the
study backed up the claims that UCD principles should be applied when creating interactive
technologies to ensure they provide users with what they need, increase user satisfaction, and
boost user experience.

3.8. Discussion

Designing a user-friendly interactive system

 Kufa Journal of Engineering, Vol. 14, No. 4, October 2023 35

When designing interactive systems, it's important to keep the users' wants, needs, and
preferences at the forefront. By adhering to UCD principles, designers may craft interfaces that
are simple, effective, and pleasurable to interact with. Key elements of user-centered design
include the following:

User research is essential for figuring out who you're designing for and how they'll be using
your product. Insights into users' behaviors, aspirations, and issues can be gleaned through
methods including contextual inquiry, ethnographic study, and user interviews. A thorough
grasp of user requirements is provided by this study, which in turn guides design decisions
(Chenna, 2023).

The process of developing personas is an effective method for synthesizing insights from user
research into actionable user profiles. User personas embody generic users by modeling their
attributes, goals, and actions. Personas are used in the design process to help inform decisions
and guarantee that the final product is tailored to the requirements of the target audience.

Users' needs and desired outcomes are taken into account when developing scenario models.
Designers can pinpoint crucial interactions and design solutions that provide pleasant user
experiences by imagining how users might engage with the system in a variety of scenarios.
Scenarios are also useful for pinpointing possible problems or growth opportunities.

The user-centered design relies heavily on iterative processes like prototyping. Prototypes,
usability testing, and evaluation help designers refine their final products. With this iterative
method, the design may be fine-tuned and improved over time to better suit the needs of the
end user (Chenna, 2023).

Evaluating the efficacy and efficiency of interactive technologies requires usability testing.
Designers can learn about usability problems and ways to improve the product by watching
people do activities and listening to their comments. As a result of the information gleaned from
usability testing, the system can be tweaked to improve the user's experience.

It's crucial to solicit and incorporate user feedback at every stage of the design process. User
testing, interviews, and questionnaires are all good ways to get responses. User input verifies
design choices, exposes usability problems, and reveals unanticipated needs. It ensures that the
design meets the needs of the target audience and boosts satisfaction levels.

Designers use the results of usability testing and user feedback to iteratively improve the design.
Enhancing the system's functionality and user-friendliness entails making small, incremental
36 Kheder

changes. Designers may make user-centric interactive systems that deliver on user expectations
by iteratively revising the design based on feedback (Alkatheiri, 2022).

Users, designers, developers, researchers, and stakeholders all need to work together for a
successful user-centric design. When multiple disciplines are included in the design process, a
more complete picture of the user's requirements can be painted. Collaboration encourages
creative thinking and ensures that form, function, and aesthetics are all considered when making
an interactive system.

By adhering to these guidelines, designers can develop interactive systems with the end user in
mind, increasing their chances of success in these areas. User-centered design is iterative, so by
testing and iterating based on user feedback, we can create interactive systems that are both
highly usable and enjoyable to use.

3.9. Innovation in enhancing HCI

Human-computer interaction (HCI) has come a long way in recent years, which means there
are now more ways than ever to improve the user experience. HCI has been profoundly
influenced by the advent of cutting-edge technologies like augmented reality (AR), virtual
reality (VR), NLP, and ML. As a result of the immersive and engaging experiences made
possible by AR and VR technologies, people may interact with digital information more
naturally and comfortably. By teaching computers to read and react to human speech, NLP
improves the usefulness and accessibility of interactive software. By analyzing user data and
adjusting interfaces to individual preferences, ML approaches help personalize user
experiences. These advancements have revolutionized HCI by opening the door to more natural,
contextual, and tailored interactions for users (Kosch, Karolus, et al., 2023a).

Case studies and examples show the effective application of novel HCI approaches. With the
use of augmented reality (AR), users of furniture shopping apps can see how a piece of furniture
would look in their own home, which speeds up the buying process and boosts satisfaction.
Voice assistants that use natural language processing, like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant,
also offer more pleasant and productive ways to access information and get things done. These
illustrations show how new technologies can be integrated into HCI designs to better serve users
and adapt to their changing needs.

3.10. Evaluation and measurement of user experience

Several techniques and metrics are used to gauge the effectiveness of an interactive system's
user interface. Usability testing, user feedback, and user surveys are just a few examples of
 Kufa Journal of Engineering, Vol. 14, No. 4, October 2023 37

user-centered evaluation strategies that play an important part in measuring the efficacy,
efficiency, and satisfaction of interactive systems. Data on job completion time, error rates, and
user preferences are gathered through observation during usability testing. User pleasure,
perceived ease of use, and overall experience can all be gauged using survey and interview data.
Usability, user happiness, and task performance can also be measured quantitatively with the
help of tools like the System Usability Scale (SUS), the Net Promoter Score (NPS), and task
success rates.

Self-report assessments, physiological measurements (such as heart rate and skin conductance),
and facial expression analysis are only some of the methods used to gauge users' emotional
reactions. These metrics assist designers comprehend the emotional facets of the user
experience by shedding light on users' feelings of annoyance, satisfaction, or engagement.

Improving HCI requires constant examination and input from users. Designers can pinpoint
usability problems, improve system efficiency, and incorporate user preferences through
iterative design processes, usability testing, and feedback loops. Designers can iteratively
enhance the user experience by continuously reviewing and refining the interactive system
based on user feedback, thereby guaranteeing that the system meets users' needs and
expectations (Kosch, Karolus, et al., 2023b).

3.11. Problems and Possible Solutions

Several constraints must be taken into account while designing user-centric interactive systems.
Particularly with large-scale systems, it might be difficult to accommodate everyone's
individual preferences and requirements. To achieve universal usability, designers must take
into account consumers' unique characteristics, cultural contexts, and physical limitations.
Another difficulty is preserving usability and preventing cognitive overload in the face of
constant technological change and the incorporation of new technologies into the user
experience in a way that is transparent to the user.

User involvement and a user-centered design strategy are essential to overcoming these
obstacles. Iterative and user-centric design is made possible by comprehensive user research,
usability testing, and constant review. Together, designers, researchers, developers, and
stakeholders may tackle complicated problems by combining their unique views and areas of
expertise.
38 Kheder

4. CONCLUSIONS
This paper has covered the history and development of HCI, highlighting the growing emphasis
on user-centered methods and UX in the creation of interactive systems. Methods and principles
of user-centered design (UCD) such as user research, persona development, iterative design,
and usability testing have been outlined in this paper. Using relevant studies and frameworks,
it has also investigated how UX affects user happiness, involvement, and output.

This paper's findings highlight the value of user-centric design in developing better HCI.
Designers may create interactive systems that are usable, efficient, and pleasurable to use by
putting people at the center of the design process and taking into account their needs,
preferences, and context of use. User-centered design (UCD) is iterative, so it can be constantly
tweaked and improved depending on user feedback, which in turn leads to better experiences
and more happiness for the users.

Both academics and professionals in HCI will find value in this paper's conclusions. The
described methodologies, frameworks, and assessment techniques can be used by researchers
to further investigate UX and user-centered design. This article presents a set of methodologies
and best practices that practitioners can use to design interactive systems with the user in mind,
from start to finish.

Researchers and professionals are encouraged to maintain an emphasis on UX and user-centric

design in their efforts. This entails carrying out extensive user research, including consumers
in the design process via iterative cycles, and continually reviewing and implementing input.
To further improve the user experience, designers should stay abreast of new technologies and
their potential effects on HCI (Martín & Macías, 2023).

The field of HCI can progress towards its goal of designing interfaces that are not just functional
but also entertaining and engaging for users if it places a greater emphasis on user happiness,
task performance, and emotional factors in the design of interactive systems. User-centric
design is the key to ensuring that interactive systems live up to the expectations of their target
audience.

According to a study by Johnson et al. (2022), the implementation of user-centered design

principles in interactive system development has been shown to have a direct and positive
impact on user satisfaction and engagement. The research examined several interactive systems
where UCD practices were employed, and the results consistently revealed higher user
satisfaction levels and increased user engagement compared to systems developed without a
 Kufa Journal of Engineering, Vol. 14, No. 4, October 2023 39

user-centric approach. This further emphasizes the importance of user-centric design in HCI
and supports the notion that considering user happiness, task performance, and emotional
factors is crucial in creating interfaces that resonate with users.

In conclusion, embracing user-centered design methodologies and emphasizing User

Experience (UX) in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) are paramount for developing
interactive systems that meet and exceed user expectations. By continuously integrating user
feedback, staying updated on emerging technologies, and incorporating emotional factors into
the design process, the field of HCI can progress toward a future where interactive systems
fulfill functional requirements and provide entertaining and engaging experiences for their
users.

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 Kufa Journal of Engineering, Vol. 14, No. 4, October 2023 41

Appendix

Survey on User Attitudes and Experiences with Interactive Technologies

Demographics

Age: Above 20

Above 35

Gender: male/female

How often do you use technology in routine tasks? [Every day, every week, every month, or
rarely]

General questions

Are you familiar with User-Centered Design (UCD)? Yes/no

Have you ever used a product or system that was made using the ideas of User-Centered
Design? Yes/no

Have you done any kind of user study, like contextual inquiry or ethnographic studies?
Yes/no

On a scale of 1 to 5, rate your overall task completion experience on interactive technologies:

1: Very Poor

2: Poor

3: Neutral

4: Good

5: Excellent

Do you believe that User-Centered Design enhances user satisfaction and overall experience
with interactive technologies?

Strongly Agree

Agree

Neutral

Disagree

Strongly Disagree