Hci 1

HCI Lecture Note
Chapter One: Introduction
1.1. Definition of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI):-

 The term HCI was adopted in mid-1980s: Association for Computing Machinery (ACM): “discipline
concerned with the design, evaluation & implementation of interactive computer systems for human
use & with the study of major phenomena surrounding them” (1992)
 Dix: “HCI is study of people, computer technology and the ways these influence each other. We study
HCI to determine how we can make this computer technology more usable by people” (1998)
 Carroll: “HCI is the study and practice of usability. It is about understanding and creating software
and other technology that people will want to use, will be able to use, and will find effective when
used.” (2002)
The study of relationships between human and computers/computer mediated information. HCI has
three components: the human, the interaction, and the computer
The Human:
The human user may be an individual or a group of users who employ the computer to accomplish a task.
The user is whoever is trying to get the job done using the technology.
The human user may be a novice, intermediate, or expert who uses the technological system.
Further, the human user may be a child using the system to complete a homework assignment or an adult
performing a task at work.
Additionally, the human user may be a person who has a physical or cognitive limitation which impacts hi
s/her use with the computer-based system.
The Computer:
A computer is defined as an electronic device designed to accept data, perform prescribed mathematical a
nd logical operations at high speed, and display the results of these operations.
The term computer system is used to represent technology and technological systems.
Desktop computer, large-scale computer system, Pocket PC, embedded system (e.g. Photocopier,
microwave oven), software (e.g., search engine, word processor)
The Interaction:
Interaction is the communication between the user and the computer system.
For computer systems to continue their wide spread popularity and to be used effectively, the computer s
ystem must be well designed. According to Sharp, Rogers, and Preece, a central concern of intera-
ction design is to develop an interactive system that is usable (2007).
More specifically, the computer system must be easy to use, easy to learn, thereby creating a user ex-
patience that is pleasing to the user
User interface:
Definition of the User Interface
When users interact with a computer system, they do so via a user interface (UI). The user interface is a
component of a computer or its software which can be visualized, heard, touched, interacted with, run
and understood by the common people or users of the computer. A computer system has the combination
of hardware and software components that receive input from, and communicate output to, a user to
support his or her performance of a task.
The two main elements of the user interface are:-

Input:
 In an interaction with a computer the user provides information to it.
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Department of computer science University of Gondar
HCI Lecture Note
 The data is received by the computer through input devices like keyboard, mouse,
trackball, a person's finger in case of touch-screens and person's voice in case of oral
commands.
Output:
 This deals with the processed information sent to the users as a result of their input.
 The output is displayed in such a way that the users can view it with their eyes on the
display screen (monitor), they can hear from speakers through voice and sound.
 They can even make a copy of the information provided to them with the help of printers.
 Thus output shows how the computer responds to the users request with the help of its
output devices.
Hence, the user's output becomes the computer's input and user's input becomes computer output.
Why HCI?
In the past, computers were expensive & used by technical people only. Now, computers are cheap and
used by non-technical people (different backgrounds, needs, knowledge, skills). Therefore, Computer and
software manufacturers have noticed the importance of making computers “user-friendly”: easy to use,
save people time, etc.
1.2. Historical background
Human Computer Interaction (HCI) is an area of research and practice that emerged in the late 1970s
and early 1980s, initially as an area in Computer Science. HCI has expanded rapidly and steadily for three
decades, attracting professionals from many other disciplines and incorporating diverse concepts and
approaches.
1970s- The rise of the Personal Computer
The broad project of cognitive science, which incorporated cognitive psychology, artificial intelligence,
linguistics, cognitive anthropology, and the philosophy of mind, had formed at the end of the 1970s.
1980s- Graphical User Interface (GUI)
Graphical User Interface (GUI) is the interface that is designed for the easier understanding of the users of
the computers. Before GUI, there was a command prompt by which command was given to the
computers. GUI started the graphical interface which is easy to use, understand, visualize, and it
improved the working environment.
1990s- The Internet and Collaborative works
The Internet started journey in 1990s. So, communications among people became easier. In the
consequence of this, many new technologies arrived for better communication.
2000s- Mobile Computing and Beyond
Mobile phones, PDA (Personal Development Assistance), and Smart Phones are ruling the present world.
They offer a wide range of services to the people such as sms, mms, multimedia, games, email, internet,
chatting, video conference, GPS etc.
Now days the HCI is used in the area of Cognitive Science. With the help of the Internet, medical facilities
can be provided remotely. Different interactive interfaces are designed those can be used for the
cognitive rehabilitations.
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HCI Lecture Note
HCI combines:
Computer science: application design and engineering of human interfaces
Psychology: the application of theories of cognitive processes and the empirical analysis of user behavior
Sociology and anthropology: interactions between technology, work, and organization
Ergonomics - safety, comfort of computer systems
Linguistics - development of human and machine languages
Industrial design: interactive products.
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HCI Lecture Note

Chapter One: Introduction

1.1. Definition of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI):-

The two main elements of the user interface are:-

1970s- The rise of the Personal Computer

1980s- Graphical User Interface (GUI)

1990s- The Internet and Collaborative works

2000s- Mobile Computing and Beyond

Computer science: application design and engineering of human interfaces

Sociology and anthropology: interactions between technology, work, and organization

Ergonomics - safety, comfort of computer systems

Linguistics - development of human and machine languages

Industrial design: interactive products.

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