Introduction to Human-Computer Interaction (Lessons 1 & 2)

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from the HCI lecture notes (Lessons 1 and 2).

Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)

The design, implementation and evaluation of interactive systems in the context of the user’s task and work.

User

The individual or group for whom computer systems are designed and who interact with the system.

Usability

The ease and comfort with which a system can be used to perform tasks.

Direct interaction

Users interact with system elements directly, with immediate and visible results.

Indirect interaction

Users interact through an intermediary process or steps rather than directly.

Interdisciplinary fields in HCI

Psychology, sociology, computer science/engineering, business, graphic design, technical writing.

Primary issues of concern in HCI

People, Computers, Tasks (with Usability as the fourth focus).

Fourth focus in HCI

Usability — making systems easy and comfortable to use.

Input-Output channels

The flow of information between user and computer via input (senses) and output (motor control).

Five major senses (in this context)

Sight, Hearing, and Touch (used as the interaction channels).

Sensory memory

Buffers for stimuli received through the senses; fades quickly.

Short-term memory

A ‘scratch-pad’ for temporary recall of information.

Long-term memory

Main resource for storing information over extended periods.

Recognition over recall

Favor recognition with familiar cues and labels rather than relying on recall.

Color codes in UI

Visual cues: Red = error/stop/warning; Green = success/proceed; Blue = link; Gray = inactive/disabled.

Immediate feedback

Visual cues, animations, or highlights that acknowledge actions and aid navigation.

Minimize cognitive load

Simplify interfaces and present information clearly to reduce mental effort.

Consistent design

Use a consistent layout and familiar patterns to aid memory and usability.

Error prevention and recovery

Limit choices, confirm before deleting, provide undo/history, highlight errors early.

Emotion in design

Use cheerful colors, friendly language, progress indicators to reduce frustration and motivate users.

Individual differences in users

Accommodate diverse users with clear language, screen reader support, onboarding, and customization.

User Persona

Fictional representations of diverse users to guide design decisions.

Grandma persona

Example persona: big buttons, simple menus, loud volume.

Teen Gamer persona

Example persona: high-speed processor, great graphics, gaming apps.

Empathize with users

Ask questions, listen actively, request input, observe, keep an open mind.

Screener survey

Detailed questions to determine if potential participants meet study requirements.

Representative sample

Subset of the target population that reflects the larger group’s characteristics.

Interview goals

What you want to learn from interviews and which user problems to empathize with.

Open-ended questions

Questions that allow users to describe experiences in their own words.

Dog Walker App (example)

A scenario used to illustrate user journeys from a dog walker’s and a dog owner’s perspectives.

Prepare for user interviews

Script questions, gather supplies, research users, practice.

Conducting interviews

Meet participants, build rapport, follow etiquette, ask open-ended questions.

Pain points

UX issues that frustrate users and block task completion.

Persona format elements

Name, age, education, hometown, family, occupation; goals; frustrations; scenario; quote.