I.

Introduction to HCI input, mouse clicks, touch gestures, voice

commands, or other forms of interaction.
WHAT IS HCI ? (HUMAN COMPUTER INTERACTION)
3. System Processing: The system processes the
Human Computer Interaction is the study of interaction user’s input and performs the necessary
between human (users) and computers. ( sainjaneya) operations based on the input received. This
could involved computations, data retrieval,
Principles of Human Computer Interaction manipulation, or any other relevant tasks.
Usability 4. Feedback and Responses: After processing the
user’s input, the system provides feedback or a
Useful - Accomplish what is required (functional, does response to the user. Feedback can be in the
things ) form of visual changes on the interface,
Usable - Do it easily and naturally without errors auditory cues, haptic feedback, or any other
suitable means of communication.
Used - Make people want to use it (attractive, 5. User Interpretation: The user interprets the
acceptable to organization feedback provided by the system to
understand the current stage of the
Consistency
interaction. This feedback helps the user gauge
Interfaces should maintain a consistent design. whether their action was successful or if any
adjustments are needed.
Visibility
6. Decision Making: Based on the feedback
Interfaces should be easily understand by the users. It received, the user decides on their next course
should be clear and and have an immediate feedbacks. of action. This decision could involve
proceeding with the current task, making
Know the Users Understand the task adjustments to their approach, or choosing a
Reduce Memory Load different action altogether.
7. The interaction between the user and the
Remind Users to refresh their memory - It is important computer system often involves multiple
to refresh their memory to have a productive user iterations. Users might refine their input based
experience. Prevent errors of actions. on the system’s responses, and the system
Naturalness refers to designing and implementing might adjust its responses based on user
interfaces and interactions that closely mimic and align actions.
with how humans naturally communicate and interact 8. Task Completion: The ultimate goal of the HCI
with each other. transaction flow is to help the user complete
their intended task or achieve their desired
II. BASIC CONCEPT OF TRANSACTION FLOW outcome. This could range from simple tasks
like typing a message to complex tasks like
Transaction Flow of HCI
designing a digital artwork.
• refers to the sequence of interactions and
exchanges that take place between a user and III. HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT OF HCI
a computer system. it encompasses the series
Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) has undergone
of steps, actions, and responses that occur as a
user interacts with a digital interface or system significant historical developments, with innovations
to achieve a specific goal or task.
ranging from early mechanical interfaces to modern
Basic Transaction Flow Concept
touchscreens and natural language processing.
1. Initiation: The transaction flow begins when
the user initiates an interaction with the Milestone of HCI History
computer system. This could involve actions 1940's - 1950's: Punch Cards and Batch Processing
such as launching an application, opening a
website, or activating a device. The earliest computers used punch cards for input,
2. Input: Once the interaction is initiated, the requiring users to prepare stacks of cards with holes
user provides input to the system. This input punched in specific patterns. This batch processing
can be in various forms, including keyboard approach had limited interactivity.
1960's : Text-based Interfaces Computer Science: HCI draws heavily from computer
science for its technical aspects, including software
The development of text-based interfaces and
development, programming, and system architecture.
programming languages allowed users to interact with
Computer scientists develop the underlying
computers using commands. The concept of a
technologies that power interactive systems and
command-line interface (CLI) emerged, enabling users
ensure their efficient functioning.
to input textual commands to execute tasks.
Cognitive Psychology: Understanding how users think,
1970's: Graphical User Interfaces (GUI’s)
perceive, and process information is essential in
Xerox PARC pioneered GUIs, introducing concepts like designing interfaces that match users' mental models.
windows, icons, menus, and pointing devices. The Alto Cognitive psychology provides insights into human
computer, developed in this period, influenced the cognition, memory, attention, and decision-making,
development of the Apple Macintosh and Microsoft helping designers create interfaces that align with
Windows in the 1980s. users' cognitive processes.

1980s: Mouse and WIMP (Windows, Icons, Mouse Design and Visual Arts: Design principles from graphic
and Pointer) design, industrial design, and other visual arts play a
crucial role in HCI. User interfaces need to be
The rise of the World Wide Web brought new aesthetically pleasing, intuitive, and visually engaging
challenges and opportunities for HCI. Designing to enhance user experience and usability.
websites and web applications required consideration
of navigation, layout, and usability for a global Human Factors Engineering: This field focuses on
audience. optimizing the interaction between humans and
systems, considering human abilities, limitations, and
2000s: Mobile and Touch Interfaces ergonomic factors. Human factors engineers contribute
Mobile devices became prevalent, leading to the to the design of interfaces that are comfortable,
development of touch interfaces. Apple's iPhone, efficient, and safe for users.
released in 2007, popularized multi-touch interactions Social Sciences: Sociological and anthropological
and gestures as core HCI elements. perspectives help HCI researchers understand how
2010s: Natural Language and Gestural Interfaces cultural and social factors influence user behaviors and
preferences. This knowledge is important for designing
Voice assistants like Siri and Google Assistant became inclusive and culturally sensitive interfaces.
mainstream, allowing users to interact with devices
using natural language. Gestural interfaces, augmented Information Science: HCI involves managing and
reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR) gained traction. presenting information effectively. Information science
provides insights into organizing, searching, and
Present and Beyond: AI-driven Interfaces presenting information in ways that are meaningful and
Current trends include AI-driven interfaces that easy to navigate for users.
personalize experiences, predictive text, and predictive Ethnography and Anthropology: Researchers in HCI
user interactions. HCI is becoming more adaptive and often use ethnographic methods to observe and
context-aware, with the integration of machine understand user behaviors in their natural contexts.
learning and AI technologies. This helps designers create interfaces that cater to real-
INTERDISCIPLINARY NATURE OF HCI world user needs.

Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) is an Communication Studies: Effective communication

interdisciplinary field that focuses on the design, between users and systems is central to HCI.
evaluation, and implementation of interactive Communication theories guide the development of
computing systems for human use. It brings together interfaces that convey information clearly and facilitate
knowledge and approaches from various disciplines to smooth interaction.
create effective and user-friendly interfaces. Usability Engineering: Usability experts contribute by
conducting usability testing and user studies to identify
interface issues and areas for improvement. This
iterative process enhances the user-friendliness of Attention and Perception: Knowing how attention
interfaces. works helps designers create interfaces that guide
users' focus effectively. Techniques like using visual
Engineering and Industrial Design: These disciplines
cues or animations can direct users' attention to
contribute to the physical design of interactive devices,
important information or actions within an interface.
such as hardware interfaces, touchscreens, and input
devices, ensuring that they are ergonomic and user- Feedback and Confirmation: Designers leverage users'
friendly. cognitive processes to provide feedback. For instance,
using auditory or visual feedback to confirm user
Neuroscience: Understanding how the brain processes
actions or alert them to errors helps users understand
information and responds to stimuli can lead to insights
the system's response to their interactions.
that improve the design of interfaces and user
experiences. Task Analysis: HCI researchers conduct task analysis to
understand how users approach specific tasks and
IV. HUMAN PERCEPTION AND COGNITION
make decisions. This knowledge helps in designing
Human perception and cognition play a critical role in interfaces that align with users' cognitive processes,
Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) as they shape how making tasks easier to complete.
users interact with computer systems and the
User Testing and Evaluation: In usability testing,
effectiveness of those interactions.
researchers often employ techniques like eye-tracking
Here are some specific ways in which human to analyze where users look and what they notice on an
perception and cognition are relevant to HCI: interface. This information helps identify design issues
related to attention, perception, and cognitive load.
Visual Perception: Understanding how humans
perceive visual information is crucial in HCI. Designers Emotional and Affective Aspects: Human emotions
need to consider principles such as visual hierarchy, and moods can significantly impact user interactions
color perception, and the organization of visual with technology. HCI designers aim to create
elements on a screen to create user-friendly interfaces. emotionally engaging and satisfying experiences by
For example, using contrasting colors for important considering how design choices influence users'
elements can help draw users' attention. emotional responses.

Gestalt Principles: Gestalt principles, which include Accessibility: Understanding the cognitive and
concepts like proximity, similarity, and closure, are used perceptual needs of users with disabilities is crucial for
to design interfaces that make sense to users. These creating accessible interfaces. Designing for individuals
principles help in organizing information in a way that with various cognitive and perceptual abilities involves
aligns with how people naturally perceive and interpret considering factors such as screen readers for the
visual patterns. visually impaired or alternative input methods for
those with motor disabilities.
Cognitive Load: Designers aim to minimize cognitive
load, the mental effort required to process information In HCI, the goal is to create user interfaces that align
and complete tasks. This involves creating interfaces with users' natural cognitive processes and perceptual
that are intuitive and require minimal cognitive effort. abilities, making interactions intuitive, efficient, and
Clear navigation, concise instructions, and well- satisfying. By incorporating insights from human
organized content all contribute to reducing cognitive perception and cognition, designers can create digital
load. systems and interfaces that are user-centered and
enhance the overall user experience.
1. Intrinsic cognitive load (simplify)
2. Germane cognitive load (maximise)
3. Extraneous cognitive load (reduce)

Memory and Learning: HCI designers take into account

human memory capabilities and learning processes.
They design interfaces that facilitate information
retention and recall. For example, providing clear labels
and using familiar icons can aid in memory retention.
 V. Design Principles and Guidelines 10. User Assistance: Provide on-demand help,
such as tooltips, inline documentation to
Human Computer Interaction (HCI) is a
assists user when they need it.
multidisciplinary field that focuses on the designing
11. Mobile and Responsive design: If designing
and evaluation of user interfaces to make them more
for mobile devices, consider responsive design
effective, efficient and user-friendly.
principles to ensure the interface adapts to
Here are the guidelines and best practices to help various screen sizes and orientations.
designers create a better user experience: 12. Performance Optimization: Ensure the
interface is responsive and load quickly. Users
1. USER- CENTERED DESIGN (UCD) : UCD is a are less likely to engage with a slow or
fundamental approach in HCI. It involves unresponsive application.
understanding user’s needs, preferences and 13. Aesthetic and Emotional Design: Consider
tasks to inform the design process. Key steps Aesthetic and emotional appeal in your
include user research, personas and usability design. A visually pleasing interface impact
testing. user experience.
2. USABILITY: Ensure that your design is easy to 14. Cross-Platform Compatibility: If applicable,
learn and use . Usability principles include: design interfaces that work well on different
Learnability: Make it easy for users to learn operating system and browsers.
how to use the interface 15. Ethical Considerations: Be mindful of ethical
Efficiency: Minimize the time and effort issues related to privacy, data security and the
required to perform tasks. potential for addiction or negative impacts on
Memorability: Users should be able to user well-being.
remember how to use the interface after a 16. User- Testing: Regularly conduct usability
period of inactivity. testing with real users to identify issues and
Error Handling: Provide clear error messages areas for improvement.
and help users recover from the mistakes.
3. Accessibility: Ensure that your interface is
usable by people with disabilities.
These HCI guidelines are just a starting point. The
4. Consistency: Maintain consistency in design
specific guidelines you follow will depend on the
elements (e.g. buttons, navigations,
context of your project, the target audience, and the
throughout the interface. Consistency reduces
type of interface you're designing. Keep in mind that
cognitive load improves learnability
HCI is an evolving field, so staying up-to-date with the
5. Feedback: Provide feedback to users so they
latest research and trends is essential for creating
know their actions are being recognized. This
exceptional user experiences.
can include visual feedback, sound or haptics
feedbacks.
6. Flexibility and Customization: Allow users to
customize aspects of the interface to suit their
preferences. This could include font size, color
schemes or keyboard shortcuts.
7. User Feedback: Gather feedback from users
throughout the design process and use it to
iterate and improve the interface.
8. Information Hierarchy: Organize information
in a clear hierarchy, making it easy for users to
find what they need. Use principles like
information grouping and progressive
disclosure.
9. Error Prevention: Design interfaces to prevent
errors whenever possible. For example, use
confirmation dialogs for critical actions.