I.
Introduction to HCI
WHAT IS HCI ? (HUMAN COMPUTER INTERACTION)
Human Computer Interaction is the study of interaction
between human (users) and computers. ( sainjaneya)
Principles of Human Computer Interaction
Usability
Useful - Accomplish what is required (functional, does
things )
Usable - Do it easily and naturally without errors
Used - Make people want to use it (attractive,
acceptable to organization
Consistency
Interfaces should maintain a consistent design.
Visibility
Interfaces should be easily understand by the users. It
should be clear and and have an immediate feedbacks.
Know the Users Understand the task
Reduce Memory Load
Remind Users to refresh their memory - It is important
to refresh their memory to have a productive user
experience. Prevent errors of actions.
Naturalness refers to designing and implementing
interfaces and interactions that closely mimic and align
with how humans naturally communicate and interact
with each other.
II. BASIC CONCEPT OF TRANSACTION FLOW
Transaction Flow of HCI
• refers to the sequence of interactions and
exchanges that take place between a user and
a computer system. it encompasses the series
of steps, actions, and responses that occur as a
user interacts with a digital interface or system
to achieve a specific goal or task.
Basic Transaction Flow Concept
1. Initiation: The transaction flow begins when
the user initiates an interaction with the
computer system. This could involve actions
such as launching an application, opening a
website, or activating a device.
2. Input: Once the interaction is initiated, the
user provides input to the system. This input
can be in various forms, including keyboard
input, mouse clicks, touch gestures, voice
commands, or other forms of interaction.
3. System Processing: The system processes the
user’s input and performs the necessary
operations based on the input received. This
could involved computations, data retrieval,
manipulation, or any other relevant tasks.
4. Feedback and Responses: After processing the
user’s input, the system provides feedback or a
response to the user. Feedback can be in the
form of visual changes on the interface,
auditory cues, haptic feedback, or any other
suitable means of communication.
5. User Interpretation: The user interprets the
feedback provided by the system to
understand the current stage of the
interaction. This feedback helps the user gauge
whether their action was successful or if any
adjustments are needed.
6. Decision Making: Based on the feedback
received, the user decides on their next course
of action. This decision could involve
proceeding with the current task, making
adjustments to their approach, or choosing a
different action altogether.
7. The interaction between the user and the
computer system often involves multiple
iterations. Users might refine their input based
on the system’s responses, and the system
might adjust its responses based on user
actions.
8. Task Completion: The ultimate goal of the HCI
transaction flow is to help the user complete
their intended task or achieve their desired
outcome. This could range from simple tasks
like typing a message to complex tasks like
designing a digital artwork.
III. HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT OF HCI
Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) has undergone
significant historical developments, with innovations
ranging from early mechanical interfaces to modern
touchscreens and natural language processing.
Milestone of HCI History
1940's - 1950's: Punch Cards and Batch Processing
The earliest computers used punch cards for input,
requiring users to prepare stacks of cards with holes
punched in specific patterns. This batch processing
approach had limited interactivity.
1960's : Text-based Interfaces
The development of text-based interfaces and
programming languages allowed users to interact with
computers using commands. The concept of a
command-line interface (CLI) emerged, enabling users
to input textual commands to execute tasks.
1970's: Graphical User Interfaces (GUI’s)
Xerox PARC pioneered GUIs, introducing concepts like
windows, icons, menus, and pointing devices. The Alto
computer, developed in this period, influenced the
development of the Apple Macintosh and Microsoft
Windows in the 1980s.
1980s: Mouse and WIMP (Windows, Icons, Mouse
and Pointer)
The rise of the World Wide Web brought new
challenges and opportunities for HCI. Designing
websites and web applications required consideration
of navigation, layout, and usability for a global
audience.
2000s: Mobile and Touch Interfaces
Mobile devices became prevalent, leading to the
development of touch interfaces. Apple's iPhone,
released in 2007, popularized multi-touch interactions
and gestures as core HCI elements.
2010s: Natural Language and Gestural Interfaces
Voice assistants like Siri and Google Assistant became
mainstream, allowing users to interact with devices
using natural language. Gestural interfaces, augmented
reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR) gained traction.
Present and Beyond: AI-driven Interfaces
Current trends include AI-driven interfaces that
personalize experiences, predictive text, and predictive
user interactions. HCI is becoming more adaptive and
context-aware, with the integration of machine
learning and AI technologies.
INTERDISCIPLINARY NATURE OF HCI
Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) is an
interdisciplinary field that focuses on the design,
evaluation, and implementation of interactive
computing systems for human use. It brings together
knowledge and approaches from various disciplines to
create effective and user-friendly interfaces.
Computer Science: HCI draws heavily from computer
science for its technical aspects, including software
development, programming, and system architecture.
Computer scientists develop the underlying
technologies that power interactive systems and
ensure their efficient functioning.
Cognitive Psychology: Understanding how users think,
perceive, and process information is essential in
designing interfaces that match users' mental models.
Cognitive psychology provides insights into human
cognition, memory, attention, and decision-making,
helping designers create interfaces that align with
users' cognitive processes.
Design and Visual Arts: Design principles from graphic
design, industrial design, and other visual arts play a
crucial role in HCI. User interfaces need to be
aesthetically pleasing, intuitive, and visually engaging
to enhance user experience and usability.
Human Factors Engineering: This field focuses on
optimizing the interaction between humans and
systems, considering human abilities, limitations, and
ergonomic factors. Human factors engineers contribute
to the design of interfaces that are comfortable,
efficient, and safe for users.
Social Sciences: Sociological and anthropological
perspectives help HCI researchers understand how
cultural and social factors influence user behaviors and
preferences. This knowledge is important for designing
inclusive and culturally sensitive interfaces.
Information Science: HCI involves managing and
presenting information effectively. Information science
provides insights into organizing, searching, and
presenting information in ways that are meaningful and
easy to navigate for users.
Ethnography and Anthropology: Researchers in HCI
often use ethnographic methods to observe and
understand user behaviors in their natural contexts.
This helps designers create interfaces that cater to real-
world user needs.
Communication Studies: Effective communication
between users and systems is central to HCI.
Communication theories guide the development of
interfaces that convey information clearly and facilitate
smooth interaction.
Usability Engineering: Usability experts contribute by
conducting usability testing and user studies to identify
interface issues and areas for improvement. This
iterative process enhances the user-friendliness of
interfaces.
Engineering and Industrial Design: These disciplines
contribute to the physical design of interactive devices,
such as hardware interfaces, touchscreens, and input
devices, ensuring that they are ergonomic and user-
friendly.
Neuroscience: Understanding how the brain processes
information and responds to stimuli can lead to insights
that improve the design of interfaces and user
experiences.
IV. HUMAN PERCEPTION AND COGNITION
Human perception and cognition play a critical role in
Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) as they shape how
users interact with computer systems and the
effectiveness of those interactions.
Here are some specific ways in which human
perception and cognition are relevant to HCI:
Visual Perception: Understanding how humans
perceive visual information is crucial in HCI. Designers
need to consider principles such as visual hierarchy,
color perception, and the organization of visual
elements on a screen to create user-friendly interfaces.
For example, using contrasting colors for important
elements can help draw users' attention.
Gestalt Principles: Gestalt principles, which include
concepts like proximity, similarity, and closure, are used
to design interfaces that make sense to users. These
principles help in organizing information in a way that
aligns with how people naturally perceive and interpret
visual patterns.
Cognitive Load: Designers aim to minimize cognitive
load, the mental effort required to process information
and complete tasks. This involves creating interfaces
that are intuitive and require minimal cognitive effort.
Clear navigation, concise instructions, and well-
organized content all contribute to reducing cognitive
load.
1. Intrinsic cognitive load (simplify)
2. Germane cognitive load (maximise)
3. Extraneous cognitive load (reduce)
Memory and Learning: HCI designers take into account
human memory capabilities and learning processes.
They design interfaces that facilitate information
retention and recall. For example, providing clear labels
and using familiar icons can aid in memory retention.
Attention and Perception: Knowing how attention
works helps designers create interfaces that guide
users' focus effectively. Techniques like using visual
cues or animations can direct users' attention to
important information or actions within an interface.
Feedback and Confirmation: Designers leverage users'
cognitive processes to provide feedback. For instance,
using auditory or visual feedback to confirm user
actions or alert them to errors helps users understand
the system's response to their interactions.
Task Analysis: HCI researchers conduct task analysis to
understand how users approach specific tasks and
make decisions. This knowledge helps in designing
interfaces that align with users' cognitive processes,
making tasks easier to complete.
User Testing and Evaluation: In usability testing,
researchers often employ techniques like eye-tracking
to analyze where users look and what they notice on an
interface. This information helps identify design issues
related to attention, perception, and cognitive load.
Emotional and Affective Aspects: Human emotions
and moods can significantly impact user interactions
with technology. HCI designers aim to create
emotionally engaging and satisfying experiences by
considering how design choices influence users'
emotional responses.
Accessibility: Understanding the cognitive and
perceptual needs of users with disabilities is crucial for
creating accessible interfaces. Designing for individuals
with various cognitive and perceptual abilities involves
considering factors such as screen readers for the
visually impaired or alternative input methods for
those with motor disabilities.
In HCI, the goal is to create user interfaces that align
with users' natural cognitive processes and perceptual
abilities, making interactions intuitive, efficient, and
satisfying. By incorporating insights from human
perception and cognition, designers can create digital
systems and interfaces that are user-centered and
enhance the overall user experience.
 V. Design Principles and Guidelines 10. User Assistance: Provide on-demand help,
such as tooltips, inline documentation to
Human Computer Interaction (HCI) is a
assists user when they need it.
multidisciplinary field that focuses on the designing
11. Mobile and Responsive design: If designing
and evaluation of user interfaces to make them more
for mobile devices, consider responsive design
effective, efficient and user-friendly.
principles to ensure the interface adapts to
Here are the guidelines and best practices to help various screen sizes and orientations.
designers create a better user experience: 12. Performance Optimization: Ensure the
interface is responsive and load quickly. Users
1. USER- CENTERED DESIGN (UCD) : UCD is a are less likely to engage with a slow or
fundamental approach in HCI. It involves unresponsive application.
understanding user’s needs, preferences and 13. Aesthetic and Emotional Design: Consider
tasks to inform the design process. Key steps Aesthetic and emotional appeal in your
include user research, personas and usability design. A visually pleasing interface impact
testing. user experience.
2. USABILITY: Ensure that your design is easy to 14. Cross-Platform Compatibility: If applicable,
learn and use . Usability principles include: design interfaces that work well on different
Learnability: Make it easy for users to learn operating system and browsers.
how to use the interface 15. Ethical Considerations: Be mindful of ethical
Efficiency: Minimize the time and effort issues related to privacy, data security and the
required to perform tasks. potential for addiction or negative impacts on
Memorability: Users should be able to user well-being.
remember how to use the interface after a 16. User- Testing: Regularly conduct usability
period of inactivity. testing with real users to identify issues and
Error Handling: Provide clear error messages areas for improvement.
and help users recover from the mistakes.
3. Accessibility: Ensure that your interface is
usable by people with disabilities.
These HCI guidelines are just a starting point. The
4. Consistency: Maintain consistency in design
specific guidelines you follow will depend on the
elements (e.g. buttons, navigations,
context of your project, the target audience, and the
throughout the interface. Consistency reduces
type of interface you're designing. Keep in mind that
cognitive load improves learnability
HCI is an evolving field, so staying up-to-date with the
5. Feedback: Provide feedback to users so they
latest research and trends is essential for creating
know their actions are being recognized. This
exceptional user experiences.
can include visual feedback, sound or haptics
feedbacks.
6. Flexibility and Customization: Allow users to
customize aspects of the interface to suit their
preferences. This could include font size, color
schemes or keyboard shortcuts.
7. User Feedback: Gather feedback from users
throughout the design process and use it to
iterate and improve the interface.
8. Information Hierarchy: Organize information
in a clear hierarchy, making it easy for users to
find what they need. Use principles like
information grouping and progressive
disclosure.
9. Error Prevention: Design interfaces to prevent
errors whenever possible. For example, use
confirmation dialogs for critical actions.