hci human- computer interaction

HCIHuman-Computer Interaction

What is it? What will you be doing this semester? Where is the technology?

The user interface was once the last part of a system to be designed. Now it is the first. It is recognized as being primary because, to novices and

professionals alike, what is presented to one’s senses is one’s computer.

Kay, A. (1984). Computer software. Scientific American, 251(3), 41-47.

HCI matters

• In general, interfaces are a very large part of effort of system

• Financial impact– Make or break

• Creating good user experiences with systems is hard achieve– Lesson 1: You cannot rely on intuition– Lesson 2: HCI techniques can really help– Lesson 3: Hard work, using established techniques, is the

secret (not brilliant insight by the gifted lazy)

What is involved in the process of interaction design

While not done well enough:• Understand users• Establish requirements• Brainstorm alternatives creatively• Prototyping alternative• Evaluate these• Reflect on strengths and weaknesses of

prototypes

Well enough?Assess the user experience:• Minimally assess “usability”– effectiveness, efficiency and satisfaction with which

specified users achieve specified goals in particular environments. (http://www.w3.org/2002/Talks/0104-usabilityprocess/slide3-0.html, visited Aug 2013)

• Accessibility• Focus on relevant users• Broader experience

6www.id-book.com

HCI, design and engineering

Image from resources forRogers et al, 2011(at SciTech library)

7www.id-book.com

User experience goalsDesirable aspectssatisfying helpful funenjoyable motivating provocativeengaging challenging surprisingpleasurable enhancing sociability rewardingexciting supporting creativity emotionally fulfillingentertaining cognitively stimulating

Undesirable aspectsboring unpleasantfrustrating patronizingmaking one feel guilty making one feel stupidannoying cutesychildish gimmicky

Goals of INFO3315Learn about the range of techniques to:• Understand users• Establish requirements• Brainstorm alternatives creatively• Prototyping alternative• Evaluate these• Reflect on strengths and weaknesses of prototypes

Learn how to actually use a core set of these techniques