Today, computers occupy the lion's share of our reality. They are found literally everywhere. They used to be huge machines the size of entire rooms. Now — it's part of everyday life. Smartphones, cars, TVs, kitchen appliances — you use at least a few computers every day.
History of the concept of human-computer interaction (HCI)
The concept of human-computer interaction originated in the early 1980s, with the spread of personal computers. It was first used by John M. Carroll. These computers required quite complex and complicated knowledge, even for basic, elementary tasks.
In researching operating systems and computer applications, HCI tried to investigate, what actions should be implemented to make the equipment more user-friendly. Human-computer interaction has been extended to other forms of information technology — from medical applications, through educational platforms, to games and e-commerce. This is where HCI comes from design of user interaction and experience (UX). All these elements make up the design of the user interface and the product.
Human-computer interaction — what is it?
Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) is a discipline that deals with The study of the relationship between computer and human. It involves designing, evaluating and implementing user interfaces so that they can be intuitive and easy to use for users. In other words — it is the search for an effective way to design electronic messages.
Human-computer interaction is a group of processes, activities and dialogues that a person performs in order to be able to communicate with a computer. It is the transmission of input data and the obtaining of feedback with the participation of the interfaces, the purpose of which is the end result.
HCI is a combination of scientific disciplines such as:
- social and cognitive psychology,
- psychology of the organization,
- anthropology,
- sociology,
- management,
- ergonomics,
- computer science.
This discipline reaches deep into the human psyche, which allows us to understand the physical and emotional aspects of human interaction with the computer. An iterative design approach makes HCI professionals have the possibility of improving the functionality and comfort of use of computer interfacesgreat. HCI focuses on three components: the user, the interface and the way they work. Examines, among others:
- words,
- visual pages,
- physical objects and space,
- time,
- behavior.
The study of these elements enables design that is oriented towards purpose, ergonomics, usability of reactions, personas, iterations and patterns. The goal of HCI is to minimize the actions that the user must perform in order to be able to freely use the technology. It is intended to make human interaction with the computer resemble dialogue.
HCI and UX — Similarities
Human-computer interaction and UX design are in many ways similar to each other. In reality, however, HCI is considered to be the precursor to UX design. The information that HCI specialists gather is used to continuously improve the field of UX design.
Both UX design, as well as HCI, require a huge amount of user research, information architecture (AI), and iterative testing. Each of these activities is associated with improving the interaction with computers and making them more intuitive and accessible.
HCI and UX — the differences
HCI and UX design are quite similar to each other, but there are key differences between them. HCI is mainly focused on User interaction with the product and on actions that will allow them to be performed intuitively. UX designers, on the other hand, are tasked with creating a whole user path that he has to overcome, they carry out all these interactions.
User Experience Design (UX) It is about continuous development. It includes the creation of user experiences with services, applications or products. It is aimed at the selected industry. HCI, or human-computer interaction, is based on research. It seeks to understand how people start interacting with computers and how this can be optimized. It is aimed at long-term learning.
Human-Computer Interaction Design (HCI) - Elements
The human-computer interaction project consists of four main, interrelated parts: user, end goal, interface, and context.
User
When designing a given product, a UX specialist works to get to know a specific user and describe him in the form of a persona. It is a group of people who have a common goal, a set of needs, attributes and problems that have a great impact on achieving the end goal. They will help in the discovery of guidelines, determining the data of the user group, are the methodologies of human-computer interaction.
The end goal
Users begin to interact with the product interface to achieve the intended goal. UX designers must therefore take into account factors such as the complexity of the task, the time taken to achieve the goal, and whether the user achieves the goal.
Interface
In the field of human-computer interaction, the interface is the most important element. It can be in a personal computer, laptop, smartphone or other device. When creating an interface, designers need to focus on elements such as navigation, application layout, navigation, input and output data, icons, colors and other graphic elements.
Context
Context defines the actual conditions in which the product or service is used. The most frequently mentioned are the contexts: physical, temporal, task, social, technical and informational:
- physical context determines spatial location, environmental attributes, movements and mobility,
- temporal context focuses on duration, time of day, moments before-during-after and other activities related to time,
- context of the task includes multitasking, breaks, and task type,
- social context includes people, interpersonal activities and culture,
- technical and informational context focus on other services, systems, interoperability, information artifacts and access.
Users use the interface in a specific context. They do not have a specific place and time to browse the interface or interact with it. UX designers must therefore focus on the context of the use of interfaces in each environment.
The relationship between HCI and UX design elements is extremely important. This is due to the fact that the products are used by an unlimited number of users. UX professionals have the ability to conduct interaction analysis and create useful and efficient projects, no matter who the user is.
Why is interaction design so important?
Interaction design is an analysis of the needs, opportunities, limitations of users. Its goal is to create optimal, quality digital products. This is extremely important nowadays, as interactions with devices and interfaces are increasingly complex.
The goal of interaction design is to achieve a quality ceiling where the user feels the actual joy and pleasure of using the digital product, and their experiences are deeper, more consistent and more lasting.
Using the product through the interface, the user has to interact with it, which in turn leads to the formation of a relationship, leading to various effects. This interaction should be fluid and related to specific goals. This is the basis for a positive assessment of the product and further desire to use it and recommend it to other users.
If you are interested in the topic of human-computer interaction, want to know the behavior of users, their needs and expectations — we encourage you to read other articles. If you are looking for help in growing your business — contact us!
