The Evolution of Human Computer Interaction (HCI)

A set of vocabulary flashcards detailing major technological milestones in the evolution of Human Computer Interaction (HCI) from 1873 to 2018 and beyond.

QWERTY Keyboard (1873)

A keyboard layout created to make typing easier and prevent typewriters from getting stuck, which is still used today.

(1873)

QWERTY Keyboard

Remington Typewriter (1874)

One of the first popular typewriters, which helped people type faster and marked the start of modern typing.

(1874)

Remington Typewriter

ENIAC (1946)

One of the first electronic computers, which showed that computers could solve problems much faster than people.

(1946)

ENIAC

(1952)

DATAR Trackball

DATAR Trackball (1952)

A input device that allowed users to move a cursor by rolling a ball, serving as the concept behind the modern computer mouse.

Gaming Joystick (1967)

A controller that let people control games by moving a stick instead of pressing only buttons, making gaming more fun and interactive.

(1967)

Gaming Joystick

Virtual Reality (1968)

Technology using a headset to let people experience a computer-made world and feel as if they are inside a different place.

(1968)

Virtual Reality

Multi-Touch Technology (1972)

Technology that lets people use more than one finger on a screen, currently used in smartphones and tablets.

(1972)

Multi-Touch Technology

(1984)

3D Printing

3D Printing (1984)

Technology that allows computers to create real physical objects from digital designs.

Smartwatch (1998)

A wearable computer worn on the wrist that allows users to check messages, time, and health information easily.

(1998)

Smartwatch

Nintendo Wii (2006)

A gaming system that let players control games by moving their bodies, making gaming more active and exciting.

(2006)

Nintendo Wii

Google Voice Search (2011)

A feature that lets people search by speaking instead of typing, making technology faster and easier to use.

(2011)

Google Voice Search

Dexmo Exoskeleton (2016)

A robotic glove that lets users feel and touch virtual objects to improve the virtual reality experience.

(2016)

Dexmo Exoskeleton

AI, Emotion Sensing, and Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) (2018 and Beyond)

Modern technology using AI to understand voice, emotions, and brain signals to make computers smarter and easier to use.