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Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)

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What is Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)?

Human-computer interaction (HCI) is a multidisciplinary field of study focusing on the design of computer technology and, in particular, the interaction between humans (the users) and computers. While initially concerned with computers, HCI has since expanded to cover almost all forms of information technology design.

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    I'm guessing the reason you're watching this video   now at this moment is because you've got  an interest in human-computer interaction.   However, that doesn't perhaps mean  you know exactly what it is. Maybe you   just guessed. Or you just think it sounds like a  good idea. So what is human-computer interaction?   Well, it's got two sides to it. On one side,  there's an academic discipline which is about   studying the way people interact with technology,  and in particular the computer technology.  

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    Nowadays, computers are in virtually everything.  It's quite hard sometimes to tell the difference.   But then there's another side to it, which is the  design discipline and I think probably quite a lot   of you watching this video will be from a design  side – you're interested in user experience design   and interaction design. One side of Human-Computer  Interaction is the academic discipline and the   other is the applied design discipline, which  is about how you create interventions with  

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    technology that make a difference to people. So,  one side is studying that computer technology   and how it has an impact on people  – so the way in which it works.   The other is more about saying that, how do  we practically change that academic study,   that interesting information we have  about the way people work, into action? The two of course interact, so on  one hand the professional experience  

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    informs the academic discipline. And you'll  probably notice that I use lots of examples,   some from my own experience, some from  stories I know about from elsewhere.   I use those from all sorts of times in order  to inform my general understanding. Because it works the other way around. The academic  understanding, that more generic understanding,   feeds back into the design discipline too. So, if  I understand how people interact with individual  

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    computers, how people interact together in a group  when they're using technology, how environments   change the way people are – if those environments  have technology in. Then I'll be in a better   position to be able to design things effectively  for them. So, these two are intermingled. So, if you want to understand Human-Computer  Interaction, if you want to be part of this, what   kind of things would I like you to know about?  What would I hope you would learn from studying HCI?

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    Well, first of all is bare facts. Facts about  the nature of computers. There's facts about the   nature of human psychology, physiology – a whole  range of things – social interactions. There are facts that you can read in a book, and I've got  my own textbook that I produced on this. And there are many, many others. Also on the web there are  vast amounts of material. So, in some sense the  

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    facts are easy to get and then you will get some  of those. Now hopefully when I talk about   HCI you get some of those facts. However, perhaps  there are other things which are more important. The second thing I hope you learn from HCI  is about analysis. It's about looking at a   situation and trying to make sense of it:   what's going on there. Because if you understand   a situation then you can apply the facts to  the situation.

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    So, it's about analysis, about picking some things apart. Picking the problems  that you're having or picking the opportunities apart. And then of course, once you've done that  analysis, together with the facts and knowledge from that, you can then do a design job. So  you can bring these things together in order   to synthesize them, in order to create something  that will be a solution to somebody's problem. But perhaps more important almost  than all that: obviously you need  

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    the knowledge side and you need the skills to  do it. But perhaps the most important thing   within HCI, particularly if you think of it in  terms of moving on into design, is an attitude   of mind. An attitude that focuses on people that  sees real users, real situations as center place.   That is seeking to understand people  however different they are from you. And to do things which are good for them and  makes sense in their lives. So, that's sort of what  

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    our purpose is in a way, particularly as we move  from just studying people to actually saying, "How do we design something for them?" So, what kinds of things might you want to know about these? And the sort of things I'll often talk about in  this context? One set of things is about the basics of design, you know. So, this goes from sort of the processes that people use when they're doing design and you may be using yourself, to  methods of evaluation to understand the nature  

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    of human experience. However, undergirding that  is fundamental, undeniable, underlying knowledge and theories. Some of those, particularly  about the human, about human perception,   cognition, emotion – that also leaks into how  to understand the way computers work as well,   to the extent that it's important from the  point of view of their interactions with people. And then from a sort of practical point of view,  

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    you also need to think about and  be aware of the issues that happen   when systems are implemented. Again, that's partly  about the way they're implemented in the computer,   but also the way in which they get deployed into  the world. This will vary from place to place,   but some of the general principles of how you make  sure that this wonderful system that you designed   actually gets used by people in the real  world and makes a real difference to people.

Here, Professor Alan Dix explains the roots of HCI and which areas are particularly important to it.

Table of contents
  1. What is Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)?
  2. The Meteoric Rise of HCI
  3. The UX Value of HCI and Its Related Realms
  4. Learn More about Human-Computer Interaction
  5. Questions related to Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)

The Meteoric Rise of HCI

HCI surfaced in the 1980s with the advent of personal computing, just as machines such as the Apple Macintosh, IBM PC 5150 and Commodore 64 started turning up in homes and offices in society-changing numbers. For the first time, sophisticated electronic systems were available to general consumers for uses such as word processors, games units and accounting aids. Consequently, as computers were no longer room-sized, expensive tools exclusively built for experts in specialized environments, the need to create human-computer interaction that was also easy and efficient for less experienced users became increasingly vital. From its origins, HCI would expand to incorporate multiple disciplines, such as computer science, cognitive science and human-factors engineering.

HCI soon became the subject of intense academic investigation. Those who studied and worked in HCI saw it as a crucial instrument to popularize the idea that the interaction between a computer and the user should resemble a human-to-human, open-ended dialogue. Initially, HCI researchers focused on improving the usability of desktop computers (i.e., practitioners concentrated on how easy computers are to learn and use). However, with the rise of technologies such as the Internet and the smartphone, computer use would increasingly move away from the desktop to embrace the mobile world. Also, HCI has steadily encompassed more fields:

“…it no longer makes sense to regard HCI as a specialty of computer science; HCI has grown to be broader, larger and much more diverse than computer science itself. HCI expanded from its initial focus on individual and generic user behavior to include social and organizational computing, accessibility for the elderly, the cognitively and physically impaired, and for all people, and for the widest possible spectrum of human experiences and activities. It expanded from desktop office applications to include games, learning and education, commerce, health and medical applications, emergency planning and response, and systems to support collaboration and community. It expanded from early graphical user interfaces to include myriad interaction techniques and devices, multi-modal interactions, tool support for model-based user interface specification, and a host of emerging ubiquitous, handheld and context-aware interactions.”

— John M. Carroll, author and a founder of the field of human-computer interaction.

HCI is a broad field which overlaps with areas such as user-centered design (UCD), user interface (UI) design and user experience (UX) design. In many ways, HCI was the forerunner to UX design.

Despite that, some differences remain between HCI and UX design. Practitioners of HCI tend to be more academically focused. They're involved in scientific research and developing empirical understandings of users. Conversely, UX designers are almost invariably industry-focused and involved in building products or services—e.g., smartphone apps and websites. Regardless of this divide, the practical considerations for products that we as UX professionals concern ourselves with have direct links to the findings of HCI specialists about users’ mindsets. With the broader span of topics that HCI covers, UX designers have a wealth of resources to draw from, although much research remains suited to academic audiences. Those of us who are designers also lack the luxury of time which HCI specialists typically enjoy. So, we must stretch beyond our industry-dictated constraints to access these more academic findings. When you do that well, you can leverage key insights into achieving the best designs for your users. By “collaborating” in this way with the HCI world, designers can drive impactful changes in the market and society.

Learn More about Human-Computer Interaction

The Interaction Design Foundation’s encyclopedia chapter on Human-Computer Interaction, by John M. Carroll, a founder of HCI, is an ideal source for gaining a solid understanding of HCI as a field of study.

Keep up to date with the latest developments in HCI at the international society for HCI, SIGCHI.

Learn the tools of HCI with our courses on HCI, taught by Professor Alan Dix, author of one of the most well-known textbooks on HCI:

Human-Computer Interaction: The Foundations of UX Design

Perception and Memory in HCI and UX

Design for Thought and Emotion

What is cognition in human computer interaction?

Cognition in human-computer interaction includes the mental processes occurring between humans and computers. This encompasses perceiving inputs from the computer, processing them in the brain, and producing outputs like physical actions, speech, and facial expressions. 

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    If we want to design effectively for humans working with computers, clearly we need to understand humans. So let's talk a little bit about the nature of humans, the way we operate from our senses through to our actions. And one way to think about this is almost like a computational analogy. If you think about the computer, there's inputs to the computer, the things that you type at it;

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    the presses you do on its surface. It does some work and it produces outputs. And one of the models for human psychology is to think like that about the human. So on the one side, you've got perception, you've got our senses, our sight, our sound and things like that that feed in. Then you've got your brain in the middle that does lots of chuntering and processing. And then it creates outputs, so physical actions but also speech, and anything else that we're using – facial expressions.

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    So that's a model of the human, which is the input-output engine model. That can be quite powerful. You can look at those parts individually, and a lot of psychology is about focusing on one part or another part at a time and trying to make sense of what's going on there. However, that doesn't give you, shall we say, a rounded picture of the human. Because we don't just act as an output; we act in order to live our lives.

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    There's actually a loop that goes on – a complete picture – so we might perceive something... So I might spot something I'm interested in. I might then think, "Oh, I'll go and look at it." And then perhaps I start to move off in that direction to go and have a look at the thing. If you're dealing with a computer, of course, the thing you act on typically is a computer. So maybe I'll look at my computer. I see something. I think, "Ah, I want to read my mail". I reach out and,

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    you know, if it's a phone, I might tap the icon. If it's on my computer, I might use my touchpad and move the mouse and click the icon. And then, of course, when I click the icon, something happens. There the computer does something back. If it's the world, if I pick something up, if I throw a stone, the stone moves through the world, and I perceive the impact of my actions on the world. I might perceive that by seeing it; I might perceive it by feeling it.

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    So there's this complete loop that goes from action through to the world, through to perception, to cognition, back to action. And when I drew it as an input/output loop, we started off with perception as if perceptions drove things. However, there's also a good argument to think starting with action. Actions might arise because of perceptions. But actually, what are we about as humans and as any animal? We're there to do things. We're there to do things,

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    to get food for ourselves, to help us keep comfortable. So it's about *doing things in the world*. And so there's one way to perceive, to look at this picture as *input to output*, but another is to actually focus on that action, about really achieving the things that we want to achieve. Now that's true of our physical existence in the world, but also crucially, that's true when we design digital interactions.
 

The video above looks at cognition as a continuous input-output loop that goes from action, through to perception (input through our senses), to cognition (mental processing), back to action (the output). Although one might perceive this process as starting with perception, it is vital to remember that perceptions often trigger actions, but at their core, humans and animals focus on performing activities in the world. This understanding is crucial for the design of effective digital interactions.

What is design in human computer interaction?

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Design in human-computer interaction, as discussed in the video, is about achieving goals within constraints. It involves understanding the purpose or goal, like enjoyment or work efficiency, and navigating the constraints, such as medium, platform, time, and money, to achieve that purpose. 

It is essential to understand the materials, both digital and human, and to make trade-offs between different goals and constraints. Ultimately, the central message is that the user is at the heart of what you do as a designer. Understanding the users and the technology you work with is crucial for successful design.

What is ergonomics in human computer interaction?

Ergonomics in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) refers to the design and implementation of interfaces that ensure user comfort, efficiency, and effectiveness. In this video, HCI expert Prof Alan Dix discusses touch and haptics in user interfaces, highlighting the importance of ergonomics in device design.

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Copyright holder: On Demand News-April Brown _ Appearance time: 04:42 - 04:57 _ Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGXMTwcEqA4

Copyright holder: Ultraleap _ Appearance time: 05:08 - 05:15 _ Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDra4IJmJN0&ab_channel=Ultraleap

For example, mobile phones and cars use haptic feedback to provide users with intuitive and engaging experiences. However, poorly implemented haptic feedback can confuse users. This underscores the importance of ergonomics in HCI to ensure that interfaces are user-friendly, intuitive, and do not cause strain or discomfort, ultimately enhancing the user's overall experience with a device or application.

Why is human computer interaction important?

Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) is crucial due to its direct impact on the user experience. 

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As highlighted in the video, the shift towards service orientation, prompted by the internet and digital goods, has made usability and user experience increasingly important. Users now have multiple choice points and can easily swap services if they are not satisfied, which underscores the criticality of user experience. Prof Alan Dix uses the analogy of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs in the context of user interfaces, stating that once the basic needs of functionality and usability are addressed, user experience becomes the key differentiator. 

User experience is the factor that will make someone choose your product over another. Therefore, optimizing the HCI is paramount to ensure the success and competitiveness of a product or service.

Does human computer interaction require coding?

HCI does not require any knowledge of coding. While coding can be a part of the design process and implementation, it is not necessary for understanding and applying the principles of human-computer interaction.

When was the first computer invented?

The first computer, as we know it today, was invented in the 1950s. At that time, computers were room-sized and cost millions of dollars or pounds or euros in current terms. Thomas Watson of IBM famously mispredicted that five computers would be enough forever, reflecting the sentiment of the time. Over the decades, the cost and size of computers have drastically reduced, making them accessible to the general public. By the mid-70s, the first personal computers were coming through, and today, the total number of computers and smartphones exceeds the number of people in the world. 

For a detailed evolution of computer technology, watch the video below:

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Copyright holder: Tim Colegrove _ Appearance time: 3:02 - 3:09 Copyright license and terms: CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons _ Link: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Trinity77.jpg

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Where to study human computer interaction?

If you are looking to study Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), the Interaction Design Foundation (IxDF) is the most authoritative online learning platform. IxDF offers three comprehensive online HCI courses:

  1. HCI: Foundations of UX Design: This course provides a solid foundation in HCI principles and how they apply to UX design.

  2. HCI: Design for Thought and Emotion: Unlock the secrets of the human mind and learn how to apply these insights to your work.

  3. HCI: Perception and Memory: Learn about the role of perception and memory in HCI and how to design interfaces that align with human cognitive capabilities.

Enroll in these courses to enhance your HCI knowledge and skills from the comfort of your home.

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Literature on Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)

Here's the entire UX literature on Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) by the Interaction Design Foundation, collated in one place:

Learn more about Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)

Take a deep dive into Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) with our course Human-Computer Interaction: The Foundations of UX Design .

Interactions between products/designs/services on one side and humans on the other should be as intuitive as conversations between two humans—and yet many products and services fail to achieve this. So, what do you need to know so as to create an intuitive user experience? Human psychology? Human-centered design? Specialized design processes? The answer is, of course, all of the above, and this course will cover them all.

Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) will give you the skills to properly understand, and design, the relationship between the “humans”, on one side, and the “computers” (websites, apps, products, services, etc.), on the other side. With these skills, you will be able to build products that work more efficiently and therefore sell better. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts the IT and Design-related occupations will grow by 12% from 2014–2024, faster than the average for all occupations. This goes to show the immense demand in the market for professionals equipped with the right design skills.

Whether you are a newcomer to the subject of HCI or a professional, by the end of the course you will have learned how to implement user-centered design for the best possible results.

In the “Build Your Portfolio: Interaction Design Project”, you’ll find a series of practical exercises that will give you first-hand experience of the methods we’ll cover. If you want to complete these optional exercises, you’ll create a series of case studies for your portfolio which you can show your future employer or freelance customers.

This in-depth, video-based course is created with the amazing Alan Dix, the co-author of the internationally best-selling textbook Human-Computer Interaction and a superstar in the field of Human-Computer Interaction. Alan is currently professor and Director of the Computational Foundry at Swansea University.    

All open-source articles on Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)

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A Brief History of Human-Computer Interaction
Human Computer Interaction is the academic discipline that most of us think of as UI design. It focuses on the way that
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How to Use Mental Models in UX Design
Mental models are important in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and interaction design because they provide information
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Guidelines for Design for Appropriation
Appropriation occurs when a user takes a design and puts it to use in a way that wasn’t anticipated by the designer. Thi
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How to Become a Digital Designer: The Complete Guide
In a digital world—for that’s what it pretty much is—what could be more natural than for every brand, company, and digit
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Start Your UX Journey: Essential Insights for Success
One in three consumers (32%) will abandon a brand they love after a single poor experience—yes, all it takes is just one
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Learn the Role of Perception and Memory in HCI and UX
Have you ever wondered how your brain makes sense of the world? It's a fascinating process! If you want to design helpfu
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How to Improve Your UX with HCI Insights
Design plays a role that’s utterly crucial in our daily lives—it bridges functionality with aesthetics to meet user need
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Cognitive Maps in UX | IxDF
Cognitive maps in UX show how users think about a product or service. Designers use these visual representations so they
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Formal Methods
Formal Methods
The use of Formal Methods in human-computer interaction dates back to its earliest days as a growing discipline, includi Book chapter
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Cognitive ergonomics
Cognitive ergonomics
Cognitive Ergonomics, also known as Cognitive Engineering, is an engineering discipline that is concerned with supportin Book chapter
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Phenomenology
Phenomenology
Phenomenology begins as a rigorous and systematic study of consciousness in the work of Edmund Husserl at the start of t Book chapter
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Visual Aesthetics
Visual Aesthetics
Visual aesthetics, as discussed in this chapter, refers to the beauty or the pleasing appearance of things. We discuss t Book chapter
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Industrial Design
Industrial Design
In loving memory of Prof. Dr. Kees OverbeekeJuly 18th, 1952 - October 8th, 2011Kees left us unexpectedly on October 8th Book chapter
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Affective Computing
Affective Computing
As Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and Interaction Design moved from designing and evaluating work-oriented application Book chapter
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Philosophy of Interaction
Philosophy of Interaction
Over the last two decades, interaction design has emerged as a design discipline alongside traditional design discipline Book chapter
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Personas
Personas
The persona method has developed from being a method for IT system development to being used in many other contexts, inc Book chapter
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Computer Supported Cooperative Work
Computer Supported Cooperative Work
Computer Supported Cooperative Work (CSCW) is a community of behavioral researchers and system builders at the intersect Book chapter
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Activity Theory
Activity Theory
Foreword: Why activity theory? This chapter is about a theory that was developed decades ago. Some of the basic ideas o Book chapter
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