LESSON 1 - Introduction to HCI Flashcards
is an interdisciplinary
field focused on designing and improving the interaction
between people (users) and computers.
Human-Computer Interaction
It emphasizes creating interfaces that are intuitive, efficient,
and user-friendly; integrates knowledge from computer science,
psychology, cognitive science, design, and ergonomics.
Human-Computer Interaction
- HCI goal is to enhance….
usability, accessibility, and the overall
user experience
Interaction was limited to
text commands (e.g., Unix and DOS), requiring users to
memorize commands
1960s: Command-Line Interfaces
Companies like Xerox, Apple, and Microsoft
introduced the use of graphical elements
like windows, icons, and menus.
The introduction of the mouse also played
a crucial role in improving interaction
1980s: Graphical User Interface (GUI)
Revolution
- With the rise of personal computing, user-centered design
became critical. Jakob Nielsen’s 10 Usability Heuristics and
Donald Norman’s work on affordances were essential
contributions during this era. Designers aimed to reduce the
cognitive load on users by making systems more intuitive. - The emergence of the World Wide Web brought new challenges
for HCI in terms of web usability, navigation, and accessibility.
The Importance of Usability (1990s)
The focus has shifted toward ubiquitous computing (e.g., mobile,
wearable tech, IoT). Interaction now goes beyond screens and
incorporates gesture, voice, and even brain-computer interfaces.
Modern Era (2000s-present)
has grown as an essential field
within HCI, emphasizing the emotional and psychological
experiences of users
User Experience (UX)
A design philosophy where the
needs, preferences, and limitations of users are given primary
attention at every stage of the design process
User-Centered Design (UCD):
Refers to how easily and efficiently users can complete
tasks on a system.
Usability
Jakob Nielsen’s Usability Heuristics, such
as ____ __ __ ___ and
__ __ ___help guide
usability testing and improvement
“Visibility of system status” and “Consistency and standards,”
Coined by Don Norman, ___ refer to the
properties of objects that suggest how they can be used.
affordances
users form mental representations of how they
think a system works based on their experiences and knowledge.
Designers aim to align system operations with these mental
models to reduce confusion.
Mental Models:
Immediate response to users’ actions. ____ can be
visual (e.g., a button changes color when clicked), auditory (e.g., a
sound when an error occurs), or haptic (e.g., a vibration when a
message is received).
Feedback
Designing systems to be usable by people with
various disabilities. This includes screen readers for the visually
impaired, closed captioning for the hearing impaired, and making
interfaces that can be navigated with alternative input devices.
Accessibility
