Let’s Explore the topic More:

Human–computer interaction (HCI) is research in the design and the use of computer technology, which focuses on the interfaces between people (users) and computers. HCI researchers observe the ways humans interact with computers and design technologies that allow humans to interact with computers in novel ways.

In 2006, the Nintendo Wii launched and revolutionized the gaming industry. While traditional gaming controllers featured only buttons, triggers, and joysticks, for example, the Wii also included internal gyroscopes and controller-based accelerometers to sense rotation, tilting, and acceleration. These movements translated onto the screen during gameplay.

Nintendo’s use of movement in the Wii was praised for its intuitive and innovative design, which was born out of the study of human-computer interaction (HCI), a field that integrates theories and methodologies from computer science, cognitive psychology, design, and other areas to examine the design of computer technology and the interaction between humans and computers.

APPLICATIONS:

Human-computer researchers are assets to a number of organizations that develop mission-critical software, Edmunds says. The Federal Aviation Administration, for example, employs an HCI division that studies control towers. Before making changes to the color or the font used in the air traffic control software, they perform rigorous studies to understand how the changes might affect the users. Otherwise, Edmunds says, software changes without the proper research and testing could be disastrous.

While other organizations may not dedicate an entire division to HCI, the principles derived from it are applicable to a number of jobs. For example:

  • Product developers may use HCI methodologies to better understand the user of a new electronic device or software the company is planning to launch.
  • User experience developers may employ HCI research to make sure the company’s website or advertisements encourage customers to buy.
  • Data scientists may study HCI to develop data visualization dashboards that best convey information in the most usable way.
  • Software engineers may employ HCI research when developing revolutionary products for new audience

Importance


• User-centered design is getting a crucial role!
• It is getting more important today to increase competitiveness via HCI studies (Norman,
1990)
• High-cost e-transformation investments
• Users lose time with badly designed products and services
• Users even give up using bad interface

Scene showcasing Human Computer Interaction