HF300: Computer Human Interaction

Introduction

  • Speaker greets students and mentions the approaching end of the semester.

  • Reminds students of important due dates and offers assistance with queries about class schedules.

Class Reminders

  • Encouragement to check the syllabus for due dates.

  • Optional assignment reminder: due Friday; involves reading about computer interaction principles.

    • Emphasizes no wrong answers except for the seven principles to discuss.

    • Students' interpretations and thoughts are what matter most.

  • Next quiz reminder: due a week from today, released on Thursday at 5 PM.

    • Extension of release time based on midterm feedback.

Midterm Feedback

  • Appreciation for student feedback and descriptions of changes made in response:

    • Study guide has been prepared.

    • Quiz content is more accessible; descriptions included in the quiz now.

    • Attempting to reduce overwhelming content while keeping essential knowledge.

Discussion on Projects

  • Students encouraged to approach the instructor if struggling with projects.

  • Options to submit projects early; Dropbox will be opened this week.

Classroom Observation

  • Announcement of a classroom observation scheduled for next Tuesday.

    • Clarification that it’s a standard observation, part of tenure requirements at Emory Riddle.

  • Normal classroom behavior is encouraged during the observation.

Study Guide and Content Preparation

  • Study guide will be released Thursday at 5 PM, covering previously learned materials and excluding new human error content.

  • Exam structure is explained:

    • Non-cumulative content, focusing on material learned so far.

    • Format to remain the same, focusing on multiple-choice questions with deficiency presentations included.

Introduction to Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)

  • Definition of HCI:

    • A multidisciplinary field focusing on the design of computer technology and the interaction between users and computers.

    • Importance of interaction described as a key component of HCI.

  • Mentioned that HCI overlaps with human factors, explaining the relevance of HCI in various fields.

Understanding 'Computer'

  • Definition from a broad perspective:

    • "A device that computes, especially a programmable electronic machine."

  • Explanation of the complexity in defining what constitutes a computer in modern society.

    • Examples include tablets, calculators, phones, and autonomous vehicles.

  • Emphasized the blurred lines between what is considered a computer due to technological advancements.

Interaction Between Humans and Computers

  • Distinction between embedded systems (minimal user interaction) and intensive interaction systems (e.g., Figma, R).

  • Importance of understanding user engagement based on task requirements.

Function Allocation

  • Definition: Deciding who does what in a task (user vs. computer).

  • Importance of task design based on users' capabilities and limitations.

  • Suggests catering to user needs over those of the computer.

Usability in HCI

  • Definition of usability as how user-friendly a system is.

  • International standards and principles for usability discussed, notably:

    • Effectiveness: Accuracy and completeness in task completion.

    • Efficiency: Resource expenditure to achieve effectiveness.

    • Satisfaction: User comfort and positive attitudes towards the product.

  • Nielsen's usability framework introduced, comprised of:

    • Learnability: Ease of learning the product.

    • Memorability: User retention of skills over time.

    • Errors: Frequency of mistakes made by users and error recovery systems.

Mental Models in HCI

  • Definition of mental models as preconceived notions users have concerning how a system should work.

  • Importance stressed on aligning system design to users' expectations to minimize confusion and errors.

Keyboard Design Considerations

  • Examination of keyboard layouts:

    • QWERTY: Historical background; originally designed to slow down typing to prevent key jams.

    • Dvorak: Designed for efficiency, increasing typing speed.

    • Alphabetic layout: Logical arrangement but inferior for expert users.

  • Investigated the negligible benefits of changing to Dvorak for expert typists versus keeping the standardized QWERTY layout.

  • Emphasized the importance of not changing established systems (QWERTY) unless significant benefits can be clear.

  • Discussed variations in keyboard designs suitable for particular use cases (e.g., one-handed keyboards, membrane keyboards).

Numerical Keypad Layouts

  • Notable differences between calculator and telephone keypad layouts discussed.

  • Historical context for layout decisions provided, explaining the paths taken for each device type and its potential impacts on user experience.

Touch Activated Screens

  • The growing importance of touchscreen technology:

    • Discussed advantages for setting designs in public spaces (e.g., ease of cleaning, reconfiguration, user learning).

    • Mentioned implications for user group interactions, particularly the elderly.

ATM Touchscreen Kiosk Design Activity

  • In-class activity designed for students to brainstorm on:

    1. Choosing a traditional keyboard layout.

    2. Deciding on numerical keypad layout and supporting reasons.

    3. Discussing additional design considerations based on systems approach.

    4. Supporting users' mental models with design.

Questions and Answers Contribution

  • Encouraged open discussion and sharing of perspectives on design considerations in response to the assigned tasks.

    • Suggestions on system designs reflecting user experience, language accessibility, and personal safety.

Conclusion and Closing Remarks

  • Reminder about the optional assignment due date and emphasized the importance of submitting assignments on time to avoid complications.