HUMAN-COMPUTER INTERACTION

Introduction - Human-computer interaction (HCI) is the field of study that focuses on optimizing how users and computers interact by designing interactive computer interfaces that satisfy users’ needs. It is a multidisciplinary subject covering computer science, behavioural sciences, cognitive science, ergonomics, psychology, and design principles.

Key components of HCI

1. The user

The user component refers to an individual or a group of individuals that participate in a common task. HCI studies users’ needs, goals, and interaction patterns. It analyzes various parameters such as users’?cognitive capabilities, emotions, and experiences to provide them with a seamless experience while interacting with computing systems.

2. The goal-oriented task

A user operates a computer system with an objective or goal in mind. The computer provides a digital representation of objects to accomplish this goal. For example, booking an airline for a destination could be a task for an aviation website. In such goal-oriented scenarios, one should consider the following aspects for a better user experience:

·?The complexity of the task that the user intends to accomplish

· Knowledge and skills necessary to interact with the digital object

·?Time required to carry out the task

3. The interface

The interface is a crucial HCI component that can enhance the overall?user interaction experience. Various interface-related aspects must be considered, such as interaction type (touch, click, gesture, or voice), screen resolution, display size, or even colour contrast. Users can adjust these depending on the user’s needs and requirements.

4. The context

HCI is not only about providing better communication between users and computers but also about factoring in the context and environment in which the system is accessed.

?1. Importance of HCI –

Today, technology has penetrated our routine lives and has impacted our daily activities. To experience HCI technology, one need not own or use a smartphone or computer. When people use an?ATM, food dispensing machine, or snack vending machine, they inevitably come in contact with HCI. This is because HCI plays a vital role in designing the interfaces of such systems that make them usable and efficient.

2. Accessible to disabled –

The primary objective of HCI is to design systems that make them accessible, usable, efficient, and safe for anyone and everyone. This implies that people with a wide range of capabilities, expertise, and knowledge can easily use HCI-designed systems. It also encompasses people with disabilities. HCI tends to rely on user-centred techniques and methods to make systems usable for?people with disabilities.

3. An integral part of software success –

HCI is an integral part of?software development companies?that develop software for end-users. Such companies use HCI techniques to develop software products to make them usable. Since the product is finally consumed by the end-user, following HCI methods is crucial as the product’s sales depend on its usability.

4. Useful for untrained communities –

Today, user manuals for general computer systems are a rarity. Very few advanced and complex computing systems provide user manuals. In general, users expect the systems to be user-friendly and enable them to access the system within a few minutes of interacting with it. Here, HCI is an effective tool that designers can use to design?easy-to-use interfaces. HCI principles also ensure that the systems have obvious interfaces and do not require special training to be used. Hence, HCI makes computing systems suitable for an untrained community.

Goals of HCI –

·?Have sound knowledge of how users use computing systems

·?Design methods, techniques, and tools that allow users to access systems based on their needs

·?Adjust, test, refine, validate, and ensure that users achieve effective communication or interaction with the systems

·?Always give priority to end-users and lay the robust foundation of HCI

Conclusion - Cleverly designed computer interfaces motivate users to use digital devices in this modern technological age. HCI enables a two-way dialogue between man and machine. Such effective communication makes users believe they are interacting with human personas and not any complex computing system. Hence, it is crucial to build a strong foundation of HCI that can impact future applications such as personalized marketing, elder care, and even psychological trauma recovery.