Intro to HCI and Computer Capabilities and Limitations

Human Computer Interaction (HCI)

multidisciplinary area concerned with the

design, evaluation, and application of usable, effective, and enjoyable technologies. Underlying

the whole theme of HCI is the belief that people using the computer system should come first.

Usability goals

one of the key concepts in HCI. It is concerned with making systems easy to

learn and use.

Format of input, Feedback Visibility Affordance

The main factors affecting usability

Usability

regarded as ensuring that interactive products are easy to learn,

effective to use, and enjoyable from user perspective.

Donald Norman.

The principles of visibility and affordance were identified by HCI pioneer

Visibility

the mapping between a control and its effect.

affordance

the sort of operations and manipulations that can be done

to it.

Effectiveness

very general goal and refers to how good a system at doing what it

is suppose to do.

Efficiency

It refers to the way a system supports users in carrying out their tasks.

Safety

protecting the users from dangerous conditions and undesirable

situations. In relation to the first ergonomics aspect, it refers to the external conditions

where people work.

Utility

the extent to which the system provides the right kind of functionality

so that user can do what they need or want to do.

Learnability

It refers to how easy a system is to learn to use.

Memorability

refers to how easy a system is to remember how to use, once learned.

User experience goals

The realization that new technologies are offering increasing opportunity for supporting

people in their everyday lives has led researchers and practitioners to consider further

goals.

Data Storage and Retrieval

Computers excel in storing vast amounts

of data that users can access at high

speeds. This capability is essential in HCI

for managing large datasets and providing

users with quick access to relevant

information, as seen in applications like

search engines, data management

systems, and cloud services.

User Input Processing

Computers are designed to process a

variety of input from different devices—

keyboards, touchscreens, voice

recognition systems, and more. This

flexibility allows for diverse user

interaction methods, adapting to

different user preferences and abilities.

Automation and Task Execution

The ability of computers to automate

repetitive tasks is a central strength in

HCI, reducing the cognitive load on

users and increasing productivity.

Automation supports efficient workflows,

from filling out forms to managing

schedules or even performing complex

calculations.

Power Consumption and Environmental Impact

High-performance computers, such as

those used in data centers or for virtual

reality applications, often consume

substantial amounts of energy. This can

pose challenges, particularly in HCI

where devices need to be portable and

efficient without compromising

performance.

Hardware Constraints

While computers can handle vast amounts of

data and complex tasks, hardware limitations

can affect how efficiently user interactions are

processed. These constraints become

evident when older devices or underpowered

systems struggle to run modern software,

leading to slower response times and a poor

user experience.

Software and Compatibility Issues

The variety of operating systems, software

applications, and devices can lead to

compatibility problems. In HCI, this can

create inconsistent user experiences across

different platforms, making it challenging to

design interfaces that work seamlessly

across all devices.

Dependence on User Input

Despite advancements in artificial intelligence

and automation, computers still rely on user

input to function effectively. HCI systems are

limited by the complexity of tasks users can

manage, requiring human intervention or

predefined algorithms for decision-making.