Understanding Human Memory in HCI.
In the context of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), human memory
refers to the psychological processes that allow users to encode, store,
and retrieve information related to interactions with computer systems
and digital interfaces. Understanding human memory is crucial in HCI
as it helps designers create interfaces that align with users’ cognitive
abilities, enhancing user experience and usability.
Human memory in HCI can be classified into several types:
Sensory Memory: The initial stage where information from the
environment is briefly registered in sensory systems (e.g., visual or
auditory stimuli). It provides a brief buffer that allows the perception
of the world to be continuous.
Short-term Memory (STM) or Working Memory: Information
that is consciously processed and temporarily held in the mind.
Working memory is limited in capacity and duration, typically
holding information for a few seconds to a minute. In HCI, this is
essential for tasks requiring immediate attention and processing.
Long-term Memory (LTM): The repository of information that is
more permanently stored. Information from short-term memory is
transferred to long-term memory through processes like rehearsal
and elaboration. In the context of HCI, designing interfaces that
facilitate the transfer of information from working memory to long-
term memory is important for users to remember how to use the
system effectively over time.
Understanding the limitations and characteristics of human memory
helps HCI designers create interfaces that accommodate users’
cognitive abilities. For instance, minimizing cognitive load, providing
clear and concise instructions, and using familiar design patterns can
aid users in encoding information into their memory effectively,
ensuring a better user experience
H uman memory is a vast and multifaceted topic that encompasses
various aspects of how humans encode, store, and retrieve
information. Here are some key topics related to human memory:
1. Types of Memory:
• Sensory Memory: Brief retention of sensory
information.
• Short-Term Memory: Temporary storage of
information being actively processed.
• Long-Term Memory: Relatively permanent storage of
information.
2. Processes of Memory:
• Encoding: Converting sensory input into a form that the
brain can process and store.
• Storage: Maintaining encoded information over time.
• Retrieval: Bringing stored memories into conscious
awareness.
3. Models of Memory:
• Atkinson-Shiffrin Model: Describes memory as a flow
of information through sensory, short-term, and long-term
memory.
• Working Memory Model: Focuses on the active
processing of information in short-term memory.
4. Factors Affecting Memory:
• Attention: Selective focus on specific aspects of the
environment.
• Emotion: Emotionally charged events are often better
remembered.
• Stress: High-stress levels can impact memory retrieval.
• Sleep: Adequate sleep is crucial for memory consolidation.
5. Memory Disorders:
• Amnesia: Partial or total loss of memory, often due to
brain injury or trauma.
• Alzheimer’s Disease: Progressive neurodegenerative
disorder leading to severe memory loss.
6. Improving Memory:
• Mnemonic Devices: Techniques to aid memory, such as
acronyms or visualization.
• Chunking: Grouping information into smaller,
manageable units.
• Rehearsal: Repetition of information to enhance
encoding and retention.
7. Neurobiology of Memory:
• Hippocampus: Brain region crucial for the formation of
new memories.
• Synaptic Plasticity: Changes in neural connections,
fundamental to learning and memory.
8. Cognitive Biases and Memory:
• Misinformation Effect: Incorporating misleading
information into one’s memory of an event.
• Confirmation Bias: Tendency to remember and focus on
information that confirms existing beliefs.
9. Applied Aspects of Memory:
• Educational Strategies: Effective teaching methods
based on memory processes.
• Eyewitness Testimony: Reliability and fallibility of
human memory in legal contexts.
10. Cultural and Individual Differences in Memory:
• Cultural Influences: How memory processes vary across
cultures.
• Individual Variation: Differences in memory abilities
among individuals.
Understanding these aspects of human memory is crucial in various
fields, including psychology, education, neuroscience, and human-
computer interaction, as it informs how information is processed,
learned, and utilized in different contexts.
Human memory is a complex and fascinating process, and it plays a
vital role in human-computer interaction (HCI). HCI designers need to
be aware of the limitations and strengths of human memory when
designing interfaces and systems.
Types of human memory
There are three main types of human memory:
• Sensory memory: This is a very short-term memory that
stores sensory information from the environment. It lasts
for only a few hundred milliseconds.
• Short-term memory (STM): This is a limited-capacity
memory that stores information for a few seconds, or up to
a minute if it is rehearsed.
• Long-term memory (LTM): This is a large-capacity
memory that can store information for a lifetime.
Human memory in HCI
HCI designers need to be concerned with all three types of memory,
but STM is of particular importance. STM is the memory that is used to
store and process information while interacting with a computer
system. If STM is overloaded, users will have difficulty completing
tasks.
Here are some ways that human memory can affect HCI:
• Information chunking: Humans can only hold a limited
amount of information in STM at a time. This is known as
the chunking limit, which is typically around 7 chunks of
information. HCI designers can help users by chunking
information into smaller, more manageable pieces.
• Working memory: Working memory is a subset of STM
that is used to store and process information while
performing a task. HCI designers can reduce the load on
working memory by providing users with visual cues and
feedback, and by minimizing the number of steps required
to complete a task.
• Recognition vs. recall: Humans are better at
recognizing information than they are at recalling it. This is
why HCI designers often use recognition-based interfaces,
such as menus and drop-down lists, instead of recall-based
interfaces, such as text boxes.
• Forgetting: Humans forget information over time. HCI
designers can help users to remember information by
providing them with reminders and by making it easy for
them to retrieve information when they need it.
HCI design principles
Here are some HCI design principles that can help to support human
memory:
• Minimize the cognitive load: Avoid overloading users’
STM by chunking information, providing visual cues and
feedback, and minimizing the number of steps required to
complete a task.
• Make it easy to recognize information: Use
recognition-based interfaces instead of recall-based
interfaces whenever possible.
• Provide reminders and make it easy to retrieve
information: Help users to remember information by
providing them with reminders and by making it easy for
them to retrieve information when they need it.
• Be consistent: Use consistent design patterns and
terminology throughout your interface. This will help users
to learn and remember how to use your system.
