1.1 Introduction to HCi

• Human-Computer Interaction; a multidisciplinary field of study focusing on the design of computer technology and, in particular, the interaction between humans (users) and computers.
• Who is involved in HCI? The ideal designer of an interactive design would have expertise in a range of topics:

  1. Psychology and Cognitive Science
  2. Ergonomics
  3. Sociology
  4. Computer Science and Engineering
  5. Business
  6. Graphic Design
  7. Technical Writing
• Psychology and Cognitive Science; to give knowledge of the user's perceptual, cognitive and problem-solving skills
• Ergonomics; the user’s physical capabilities;
• Sociology; understand the wider context of the interaction;
• Computer Science and Engineering; o be able to build the necessary technology.
• Business; be able to market the technology
• Graphic Design; produce an effective interface presentation
• Technical Writing; produce the manuals, etc.
• 'USE' words that must all be true for a product to be successful:

  1. Useful
  2. Usable
  3. Used
• Useful; accomplish what is required: play music, cook dinner, format a document, etc.
• Usable; do it easily and naturally, without danger of error, etc.
• Used; make people want to use it, be attractive, engaging and fun.
• Input-Output Channels; In an interaction with a computer the user receives information that is output by the computer, and responds by providing input to the computer – the user’s output becomes the computer’s input and vice versa.
• Vision / Human Vision; s a highly complex activity with a range of physical and perceptual limitations, yet it is the primary source of information for the average person.
• Visual Perception Stages:

  • The physical reception of the stimulus from the outside world
  • The processing and interpretation of that stimulus.