UXD740 – Week 1: Introduction to Human-computer interaction

26th Sept 2021

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The second module of the UX Design Master is UX Research that covers the concepts and techniques of human-computer interaction. I am excited to learn about this topic and hope to broaden my knowledge to build my skills in UX design. After reviewing the assignment criteria for the module, I felt overwhelmed with excitement and nerves. When reflecting on the previous module, Development Practice, I wanted to have a deeper understanding and knowledge of the best approaches to comprehend the user and their goals. I am hoping to achieve this in the next 12 weeks.

Human computer interaction (HCI)

Human computer interaction (HCI) is defined as the relationship between people and technology. It involves understanding how people interact with technology systems and learning how to design them for humans. It is complex and unique because it is continuously developing and it crosses over various subjects. It is part of a hierarchy of multidisciplinary fields of human factors engineering, computer science and cognitive science. It also touches upon other subjects like user experience design, psychology and many more.

HCI has advanced over the years from focussing on computer-based tasks to networked computers and other technologies. It no longer is limited to desktops. Hollan et al (2000), states that cognition, which is the mental processes is the key to understanding the relationship between people and technologies. The main goal is for humans to use technology systems to complete an activity or task they intend to achieve. Norman says "We should be focusing on making it easier for people to get to the end result." It involves empathising with the user by stepping inside their shoes to understand their needs and goals. By interpreting this will enable designers to design effective systems and interactions that are more human-centred. It results in HCI being able to support the users in complex everyday tasks.

As a designer, we need to ensure we design the system to be useful, useable and used. The design must have functionality for users to carry out the tasks to achieve their goals. Moreover, it should be easy to use, available and provides an enjoyable user experience.

HCI involves a rigorous research process. The research methods are taken from different subjects and modified to create standards (Lazar et al., 2017). It becomes a set of guidelines that represents reality with no bias information. It makes the research credible and used by other practitioners in a peer-review process.

I have learnt to research and read peer-reviewed materials to improve my knowledge and to write reflectively. I will continue this throughout this module especially in the research paper for the assignment.

Challenge activity part one

Week one and two challenge activities involve conceiving a concept for the assignment project. Part one is reading and researching the HCI space and considering topics of interest.

Reading through the list of suggested topics was quite confusing at first. I had no idea where to start. However, as I read through some recommended books and websites, I have gathered ideas and focused on what interested me the most.

In the previous module, I briefly spoke about my interests in health and well-being. It is an interesting topic to me because it has evolved quickly ever since the COVID-19 pandemic started in 2019. It has been the most talked-about subject and has become prominent at the workplace and home. A particular topic within health and well-being I would like to research is sleeping cycles and sleep therapy. It crosses into the subjects of cognitive psychology, human factors and graphic design.

I have not finalised my concept however I am hoping to in the next blog post. I am intrigued to read week two content which will help me become more confident as the module progresses.

References

Lazar, J., Feng, J.H., Hochheiser, H. 2017. Research Methods in Human-Computer Interaction. Second edition. Cambridge, MA: Morgan Kaufmann.

The Interaction Design Foundation. 2021. What is Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)?. [online] Available at: <https://www.interaction-design.org/literature/topics/human-computer-interaction> [Accessed 22 September 2021].

Carroll, J. M. 2003. HCI Models, Theories, and Frameworks Toward a Multidisciplinary Science . 1st edition. San Francisco, Calif: Morgan Kaufmann.

Hollan, J., Hutchins, E., and Kirsh, D. 2000. ‘Distributed Cognition: Toward a New Foundation for Human-Computer Interaction Research’. ACM transactions on computer-human interaction 7(2), 174–96.

Verywell Mind. 2021. The Importance of Cognition in Determining Who We Are. [online] Available at: <https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-cognition-2794982> [Accessed 23 September 2021].

2018. Principles of Human-Centered Design (Don Norman). [video] Available at: <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmM0kRf8Dbk> [Accessed 23 September 2021].

Images

2020. Creative Technology Color Explosion Burst In Laptop Notebook Computer. [image] Available at: <https://unsplash.com/photos/lzh3hPtJz9c> [Accessed 26 September 2021].