Ref: Chapter 1, Preece J.

, A Guide to Usability Human

Factors in Computing (4th Edition), Addison-Wesley
Publication, 2005
 To understand what Human-Computer
Interaction (HCI) is about
To understand why HCI studies are important
To know the scope of HCI
 What is Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)
Why HCI studies are important
The scope of HCI
 HCI studies are concerned with:

understanding how people use

computer systems so that better

systems can be designed which more closely
meet users needs.
 Interaction involves 4 components:
the user
who has to do a particular task or job
context
in a particular
using a computer system
 The goals of HCI are to develop and
improve systems that include computers so
that users can carry out their tasks:
Safely (especially in critical systems like air traffic control)
Effectively
Efficiently
Enjoyably

These aspects (safety, effectiveness,

efficiency & enjoyability) are collectively
known as USABILITY
 Well-designed computer systems with good
usability can:
Improve the performance of the workforce
Improve the quality of life
Make the world a safer and more enjoyable place
to live in

Effects of poor interface design:

Endangered life
Loss of money
E.g.: Three Mile Island nuclear power plant disaster
If you were to design
this card, how will be
your design ?
 Designing usable systems requires
knowledge about:
Who will use the system
What it will be used for
The work context and environment in
which it will be used
What is technically and logistically
feasible
11
What is Human-Computer Interaction
(HCI)
Why HCI studies is important
The scope of HCI