2. Learning Objectives
1. Explain the foundations of HCI.
2. Distinguish the principles behind human-machine interaction.
3. Show when human factors first became an issue in computer hardware and software
design.
At the end of the lesson, the students should be able to:
3. Human: Individual user, a group of users working together, a sequence of
users in an organization
Computer: Desktop computer, large-scale computer system, Pocket PC,
embedded system
User interface: Parts of the computer that the user contacts with
Interaction: Usually involve a dialog with feedback & control throughout
performing a task
What is HCI?
4. Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) is a field of study focusing
on the design of computer technology and the interaction
between humans (the users) and computers.
What is HCI?
5. The primary goals of HCI are:
Usability: Ensuring systems are easy to use, efficient, and accessible.
User satisfaction: Designing systems that are enjoyable and reduce
frustration.
Effectiveness: Enabling users to achieve their objectives accurately.
Accessibility: Making technology usable for people with varying abilities.
Safety: Minimizing risks during interaction, particularly in critical systems
like healthcare or aviation.
What are the goals of HCI?
6. 1. Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs): Desktop operating systems like
Windows or macOS.
2. Voice Assistants: Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant.
3. Touch Interfaces: Smartphones, tablets, and kiosks.
4. Virtual Reality (VR): Immersive gaming or training simulations.
5. Wearable Technology: Smartwatches or fitness trackers.
6. Assistive Technologies: Screen readers for visually impaired users or
voice-controlled devices for mobility-impaired users.
Examples of HCI?
7. ✓ In the past, computers were expensive & used by technical people only
✓ Now, computers are cheap and used by non-technical people (different
backgrounds, needs, knowledge, skills)
✓ Computer and software manufacturers have noticed the importance of
making computers “user-friendly”: easy to use, save people time, etc.
How to achieve “user-friendliness” in computer design?
Why HCI?
8. The Human
✓ the central character in any
discussion of interactive systems
✓ the user, the one whom computer
systems are designed to assist
✓ the requirements of the user
should therefore be our first
priority
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10. Vision is the most dominant sense in HCI, as most interfaces rely on visual
elements such as text, images, colors, and icons. Users process
information through graphical user interfaces (GUIs) and visual feedback.
Examples:
• Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs
• Augmented Reality (AR) & Virtual Reality (VR)
• Color Contrast & Accessibility
a. Vision
11. Touch enhances interaction through tactile feedback, allowing users to feel
responses from digital devices.
Examples:
• Smartphone Haptics
• Touchscreens & Gesture Control
• Wearable Tech
b. Touch (Haptic Feedback)
12. Sound is used in HCI for feedback, alerts, and hands-free interaction.
Examples:
• Voice Assistants
• Auditory Alerts
• Screen Readers
c. Hearing (Auditory Perception)
13. Though less common in HCI, smell can be used in immersive experiences,
such as VR.
Examples:
• VR Experiences
• Medical Training Simulations
d. Smell (Olfactory Perception)
14. Taste is rarely used in mainstream HCI, but research explores how digital
devices can simulate taste experiences.
Examples:
Digital Taste Simulators
Food Industry Applications
e. Taste (Gustatory Perception)
16. A. Sensory Memory
Stores brief impressions of stimuli (visual, auditory, tactile).
Critical for UI responsiveness—delays can disrupt perception.
Example: Visual persistence in animations (e.g., smooth transitions in UI).
a. Sensory Memory
17. Holds information for a few seconds to minutes.
Example:
Remembering a verification code or navigation menu choices.
b. Short-Term (Working) Memory
18. Stores knowledge, skills, and past experiences.
Affects learnability and recall of UI elements.
Example:
Users recall familiar icons (e.g., floppy disk for "Save").
c. Long-Term Memory