Part 6 - Crossing Boundaries Flashcards
What is HCI?
Human-Computer Interaction is a study of the way computers interact with humans. This largely consists of how the user inputs data and how they read output.data.
What fields of study contribute to HCI?
Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Philosophy, Linguistics, Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Ergonomics, Engineering and Design.
What does UI stand for? What does HMI stand for? What is the difference
“user interface” and “human-machine interface”. There is no difference, they are ways of describing the same thing.
What are the limitations describing someone as “the user” when thinking about HCI principles?
It implies all users are the same whereas many users may have different thought processes and backgrounds which makes them unique. We should use the term “a user” or “users”.
What constitutes the User Interface on a laptop?
- the on/off switch
- screen display and its contents
- keyboard
- trackpad
- webcam
- speakers
- microphone
- two USB ports
Describe an HCI feedback loop
- the user moves mouse pointer
- the machine displays pointers new position
- the user compares the new position with the intended position and alters movement to move closer to goal
- the machine displays new position
- repeat
What are limitations of the term User-Interface?
The User interface is more focused around the computer and display rather than the human. It also focuses around input and output devices such as keyboards and screens rather than practical, elements such as telephone support systems, help desks, training, supporting documents.
What is Separability?
Separability refers to how an interface separates what lies on either side of it
so that changes can be made on one side without affecting the other.
What is affordance?
It is concerned with how to use an object e.g. the affordance of a door can either be to push or to pull. Plates would afford the door to push wheras a handle would afford the door to pull.
