Introduction to Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)

Introduction to Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) A comprehensive overview of the foundational concepts of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI).

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Introduction to Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)

A comprehensive overview of the foundational concepts of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI).

Learning Outcomes

This document provides a solid foundation in HCI, covering:

  • A Comprehensive Overview Understand the scope of HCI, from core principles to advanced topics like user research and interface evolution.

  • Motivation for Study See the real‑world impact of HCI and its importance in creating successful products and preventing system failures.

  • A Holistic Understanding Learn that HCI is a multidisciplinary science combining psychology, design, and computer science to create technology that works for people.

References

  • Dix, A. J., Finlay, J. E., Abowd, G. D., & Beale, R. (2003). Human‑Computer Interaction (3rd ed.). Prentice Hall, USA.
  • Faulkner, C. (2003). The Essence of Human‑Computer Interaction. Prentice Hall, USA.
  • Santosa, P. I. (n.d.). Interaksi Manusia dan Komputer (2nd ed.). Andi Offset, Yogyakarta.
  • Wahyuningrum, T. (2021). Mengukur Usability Perangkat Lunak. Deepublish, Yogyakarta.
  • Other relevant HCI books and supporting materials.

1. Defining Human‑Computer Interaction (HCI)

What is HCI?

HCI is a multifaceted discipline that focuses on the design, evaluation, and implementation of interactive computer systems for human use, while also considering the various phenomena surrounding them.

  • Design The creative process of generating solutions, defining a system's appearance, feel, and behavior to craft the entire user experience.

  • Evaluation The process of testing and assessing the quality of a design to ensure it meets user needs through methods like usability testing and heuristic evaluation.

  • Implementation The process of building the actual interface and system that has been designed and evaluated.

The User Interface: The Bridge Between Worlds

Human → Interface → Machine (Process) The user expresses their intent, and the interface translates this into a language the machine can process.

Machine (Process) → Interface → Human The machine communicates the result back to the user in a perceptible and understandable form.

2. Background of HCI

The field emerged as computers transitioned from specialist tools to public appliances, creating new priorities:

  1. Desire for Accessibility Making powerful tools accessible to everyone, regardless of technical background.

  2. Abstraction of Complexity Hiding internal complexity to allow users to focus on their goals, not the technology.

  3. Task‑Oriented Design Designing systems that seamlessly support a user's workflow.

  4. Beyond Intuition Using structured principles and testing to create objectively effective designs.

  5. Consistency and Reliability Advocating for coherent and predictable systems to reduce user confusion.

  6. Function over Form Prioritizing usability and task support over purely visual appeal.

  7. User‑Centricity Realizing the user is the most important element, leading to concepts like User‑Friendly, WYSIWYG, and Easy To Use.

3. The Importance of HCI

From a Market Perspective

  • Customer Loyalty Easy and enjoyable products build a loyal customer base.

  • Reduced Costs Intuitive systems reduce the need for customer support and training.

  • Increased Sales Streamlined processes in e‑commerce directly increase sales.

  • Brand Reputation Poor usability can damage a company's reputation.

From a Human Perspective

Well‑designed systems empower users, while poorly designed ones can have dire consequences:

Errors can lead to catastrophe: – Loss of time: A confusing file system. – Loss of money: A poorly designed banking app. – Loss of morale: Constant struggles with a difficult system. – Loss of life: The Therac‑25 radiation machine is a classic case study of fatal interface design flaws.

From a Social Perspective

HCI plays a role in ensuring technology's integration into society is beneficial:

  • Inclusivity and Accessibility Designing technology for people with disabilities (e.g., screen readers).

  • Digital Divide Poorly designed systems can exclude the less tech‑savvy.

  • Social Interaction The design of social media platforms influences how we communicate and form relationships.

4. Goals of HCI

The overarching goal is to create technology that serves humans.

  • Ease of Use Make computers easy to operate and provide clear feedback.

  • Core Tenets of Usability:

    1. Usable/Easy to Learn: Users can quickly learn and remember how to use the system.
    2. Safe: The system protects users from critical errors and allows recovery.
    3. Effective: The system helps users achieve their goals accurately.
    4. Efficient: Tasks can be performed quickly with minimal effort.

  • User‑Centered Design (UCD) Actively involve users throughout the design process, from requirements gathering to final testing.

5. Related Disciplines

HCI is fundamentally interdisciplinary:

  • Computer Science & Electronic Engineering
  • Graphic Design
  • Industrial Engineering
  • Psychology
  • Ergonomics (Human Engineering)
  • Anthropometry
  • Linguistics
  • Sociology & Anthropology

6. Job Roles in HCI

  • Interaction Designer (IxD) Focuses on the behavior and flow of a product.

  • Web Designer Specializes in the visual and interactive elements of websites.

  • Information Architect (IA) Organizes and structures content to be understandable.

  • User Experience (UX) Designer Considers all aspects of a user's interaction with a company and its products.

  • UX Researcher Focuses on understanding user behaviors, needs, and motivations.

  • Usability Analyst Specializes in evaluating interfaces to find usability problems.

7. The Evolution of User Interfaces

  1. 1950s: Hardware Interfaces (switches, panels)
  2. 1960s–70s: Programming Interfaces (batch processing with COBOL, FORTRAN)
  3. 1970s–90s: Command‑Line Interfaces (DOS, UNIX)
  4. 1980s: GUI Revolut ion (WIMP: Windows, Icons, Menus, Pointer)
  5. 1990s: Networked Interfaces (internet, browsers, groupware)
  6. 2000s–Present: The Ubiquitous Era
    • Mobile & Touch Interfaces (smartphones, tablets)
    • Voice User Interfaces (VUIs)
    • Gesture & Tangible Interfaces (Kinect)
    • Augmented Reality (AR) & Virtual Reality (VR)

Interactive Example

To develop a better intuition for UI design, play the game "Can't Unsee": https://cantunsee.space/

Summary

Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) is a multidisciplinary field that focuses on designing, evaluating, and implementing interactive computer systems for human use. As computers evolved from specialist tools to everyday appliances, HCI emerged to address the critical need for accessible, user-friendly technology.

Key Takeaways:

  • Core Purpose: HCI aims to create technology that serves humans by making computers easy to use, safe, effective, and efficient.

  • Multidisciplinary Nature: The field combines knowledge from computer science, psychology, design, ergonomics, linguistics, and social sciences to create comprehensive solutions.

  • Real-World Impact: Good HCI design leads to customer loyalty, reduced costs, increased sales, and enhanced brand reputation, while poor design can result in lost time, money, morale, and even lives.

  • User-Centered Approach: The fundamental principle is putting users at the center of the design process, involving them from requirements gathering to final testing.

  • Evolution of Interfaces: UI design has progressed from hardware interfaces in the 1950s to today's mobile, voice, gesture, and immersive AR/VR interfaces.

  • Professional Opportunities: The field offers diverse career paths including interaction design, UX research, information architecture, and usability analysis.

HCI ultimately recognizes that technology should adapt to human needs and behaviors, not the other way around. By applying scientific principles and user research, HCI professionals create interfaces that enhance human capabilities and improve quality of life.