Human-Computer Interaction: An Overview of Interaction

A comprehensive exploration of interaction concepts and frameworks that form the foundation of human-computer communication.

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Learning Outcomes

After studying this material, readers are expected to be able to:

1. Explain the concept of interaction.
2. Understand terminology in interaction.
3. Explain interaction cycles.
4. Understand interaction frameworks.
5. Know ergonomic concepts and principles.
6. Recognize various interaction styles or dialogue modes.

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1. Definition: What is Interaction?

Interaction in the context of Human-Computer systems is two-way communication between the user and the system (computer). The form of interface significantly influences this dialogue.

Interaction occurs within a broader social and organizational framework—not in a vacuum. Depending on the model, communication can be:

• Batch Processing: No direct input during the process.
• Direct Manipulation / Virtual Reality: Users control all aspects directly and continuously.

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2. Levels of Interaction

Interaction is broken down into levels that connect human structure with computer structure:

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3. Key Terminology in Interaction

• Domain: Area of expertise & knowledge in real activities.
• Goal: Desired outcome to be achieved.
• Task: Operations to manipulate domain content.
• Intention: Specific action to achieve a goal.
• Task Analysis: Problem identification involving domain, goals, tasks, intentions.
• System: Computer application being used.
• Task Language: User language, describing domain attributes according to user conditions.
• Core Language: System internal language, describing domain attributes according to system conditions.

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4. Interaction Cycle: Donald Norman's Model

The Execution/Evaluation Loop Model (Norman) has seven stages:

1. Establishing the Goal
2. Forming the Intention
3. Specifying the Action Sequence
4. Executing the Action
5. Perceiving the System State
6. Interpreting the System State
7. Evaluating the System State

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5. Gulf of Execution & Gulf of Evaluation

Gulf of Execution

The gap between user intentions and system capabilities:

• Actions are difficult to translate into system inputs.
• Desired actions are not supported by the system.

Gulf of Evaluation

The gap between system representation and user expectations:

• Feedback is difficult to interpret.
• System status does not match expectations.

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6. Human Errors

• Slips: Correct intention, but incorrect execution (e.g., typos). Solution: Design larger buttons, confirmations for destructive actions.
• Mistakes: Initial understanding is incorrect. Solution: Provide clear conceptual models, documentation, effective tutorials.

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7. Interaction Framework

Main components and their respective "languages":

1. User (U) – task language
2. Input (I) – translates user actions
3. System (S) – core language
4. Output (O) – displays system results

Flow:

This framework is abstract and facilitates comparison between systems.

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8. Ergonomics and Design Principles

Physical Ergonomics

• Anthropometric considerations: Design for human body dimensions and capabilities
• Biomechanical factors: Reduce physical strain and repetitive stress
• Environmental factors: Lighting, noise, temperature considerations

Cognitive Ergonomics

• Mental workload: Balance information processing demands
• Situational awareness: Maintain user understanding of system state
• Decision making: Support effective user choices

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9. Interaction Styles and Dialogue Modes

Command Line Interface (CLI)

• Advantages: Precise control, efficient for experts
• Disadvantages: Steep learning curve, memory-intensive

Graphical User Interface (GUI)

• Direct manipulation: WYSIWYG, immediate feedback
• WIMP paradigm: Windows, Icons, Menus, Pointers

Natural Language Interface

• Speech recognition: Voice commands and dictation
• Text processing: Natural language queries

Gesture-Based Interaction

• Touch interfaces: Multi-touch, gestures, haptic feedback
• Motion sensing: Body movements, hand tracking

Virtual and Augmented Reality

• Immersive environments: 3D interaction spaces
• Mixed reality: Blending physical and digital worlds

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Summary

Interaction in HCI represents the fundamental communication process between humans and computers, involving multiple levels of abstraction and various dialogue modes. Understanding interaction frameworks helps designers create more effective and intuitive user experiences.

Key Takeaways:

• Multi-Level Structure: Interaction operates across four distinct levels (goal, task, dialog, input/output), each requiring specific design considerations.

• Norman's Model: The seven-stage execution/evaluation loop provides a comprehensive framework for understanding user actions and system responses.

• Design Gaps: The Gulf of Execution and Gulf of Evaluation identify critical areas where poor design can break down user-system communication.

• Error Prevention: Understanding the difference between slips and mistakes enables targeted design solutions for error reduction and recovery.

• Framework Components: The User-Input-System-Output model provides a clear structure for analyzing and designing interaction systems.

• Ergonomic Considerations: Both physical and cognitive ergonomics must be considered to create comfortable and effective interactions.

• Interaction Diversity: Multiple interaction styles (CLI, GUI, natural language, gesture, VR/AR) offer different advantages for different contexts and user needs.

• Design Principles: Key principles include:

  • Minimize gulfs of execution and evaluation
  • Provide clear feedback and system status
  • Support both novice and expert users
  • Design for error prevention and recovery
  • Consider physical and cognitive ergonomics

Effective interaction design requires understanding the complex relationship between human capabilities, system constraints, and task requirements. By applying interaction frameworks and considering multiple dialogue modes, designers can create systems that feel natural and efficient while supporting users' goals across diverse contexts and capabilities.