Hello and welcome to lecture 1, today we are going to learn about human computer interaction.
It is basically how people interact with computers they do this through interfaces.
We will start by understanding the meaning of human computer interaction or HCI.
HCI is a discipline concerned with the design, evaluation and implementation of interactive computer systems for human use and it's the study of major phenomenon surrounding them.
Human computer interface is made up of the following factors: theories, models, methods, guidelines and principles.
We will start by looking at theories.
Theories: are given by researchers and are applied to HCI.
Models: on which HCI are created have to be used.
Methods: these state how HCI will be applied.
Guidelines: these guidelines are stipulated and have to be followed in the use of HCI.
Principles: here we have to learn and understand the basic principles and then apply them.
Let us try to understand why its important to gain a better understanding of human computer interface.
Due to the increased usage of computers in every aspect of life today.
Human computer interface is changing along with the physical things and graphical user interfaces, collaborative interfaces, internet technologies as well as social technologies.
When using a device through human computer interface a user should know clearly the following:
How to do it?
What goes in it?
What goes out and what it can do?
Considerations in designing human computer interfaces.
Various factors have to be considered when designing human computer interfaces.
Some of these factors are:
Consistency: which means a device should look and operate the same way throughout its life and all its components should have a similar look and feel.
Control: the user must have a certain amount of control over his her interactions with the computer the actions carried out should be performed quickly and should be capable of interruption or termination.
Flexibility: a system should be sensitive to the needs of its users enabling a level in performance based upon each user's knowledge and skills.
Efficiency: transitions between various system controls should flow easily and freely.
Familiarity: this refers to the interface being natural and close to real world metaphors.
Predictability: the human computer interface should provide distinct and recognizable screen elements.
Recovery: a system should allow commands to be reversed it should also ensure that users never lose their work due to hardware software or communication problems.
Finally simplicity which means human computer interaction should provide a simple and interface as possible.
Thank you.