CS228 HumanComputer Interaction

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CS228 Human-Computer Interaction
HCI is about how to allow humans and
computers to interact toward some common goal.

• Humans and computers are similar in that they
  both
• receive input
• produce output and
• process information in between.

Q What kinds of input and output devices are
available to a human? Computer? Q2 What
information do they record or provide? What do
the outputs do?
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CS228 Human-Computer Interaction
We tend to think input first, then information
processing, then output.
B.F. Skinner (1904-1990) Behavior defined as how
an organism responds to input. Therefore,
behavior can be studied scientifically
Skinner Box (Harvard, 1930)
Light
Lever 1
Sound
Food
Lever 2
Air
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CS228 Human-Computer Interaction
We tend to think input first, then information
processing, then output.
B.F. Skinner (1904-1990) Behavior defined as how
an organism responds to input. Therefore,
behavior can be studied scientifically
Skinner Box (Harvard, 1930)
Lever 1
Light
Sound
Food
Lever 2
Air
Lever 1
Light
Sound
Food
Lever 2
Air
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CS228 Human-Computer Interaction
We tend to think input first, then information
processing, then output.
B.F. Skinner (1904-1990) Behavior defined as how
an organism responds to input. Therefore,
behavior can be studied scientifically
Skinner Box (Harvard, 1930)
Light
If I press lever 1 when I hear a bell, I
usually get food
Sound
Lever 1
Food
Lever 2
Air
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CS228 Human-Computer Interaction
We tend to think input first, then information
processing, then output.
The very definition of a computer relies on this
notion of input first, then processing, then
output.
Turing Machine
Q Give a brief definition of a Turing machine.
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CS228 Human-Computer Interaction
The philosopher John Dewey removed linearity from
behavior
we begin not with a sensory stimulus, but with
a sensorimotor co-ordination.... In a certain
sense it is the movement which is primary, and
the sensation which is secondary, the movement of
the body,
head, and eye muscles determining the quality of
what is experienced. (The Reflex Arc in
Psychology, 1896)
Input
Output
Human
Environment
Output
Input
Human
Human
Input
Output
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CS228 Human-Computer Interaction
This coordination allows a human-computer pair to
achieve something not possible, or difficult, by
either alone.
Environment
Output
Input
Desire to create new VT energy policy
New VT energy policy
Human
Input
Computer
Output
Scientific findings about carbon-neutral biofuels
Annual wind/solar irradiation data for VT
Energy policies for neighboring states
Weather/ economic simulations
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CS228 Human-Computer Interaction
Good teamwork arises when the members have
complementary skillsets.
(DIS, p. 12)
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CS228 Human-Computer Interaction
An interactive system is not just a computer It
can be a computer, An embedded device (a computer
with sensors) or A robot (a computer with sensors
and actuators) but it must interact with a
person, and process information
Input Increased load on shoulders
Output Insert books
Input Hear Dialtone
Output place call
Human
Human
Knapsack
Cellphone
Output Changes shape Increases in weight
Output Sound
Input books
Input Keys pressed
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CS228 Human-Computer Interaction
Designing interactive systems is about designing
technology to maximize aspects of the interaction
toward some goal.
People sociology (human interaction) psychology
(cognition) ergonomics (the fit between people
and the things they use) anthropology (cultural
relativity) cultural studies
Technologies Electronic engineering Software
engineering Multimedia Databases Sensors Actua
tors Programming Networking
Design 3D design Human-computer interaction Int
eraction design Engineering design Graphic
design Product design
Activities and Contexts business soft systems
organizational psychology knowledge management
information systems change management
communities of practice.
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CS228 Human-Computer Interaction
The field of human-computer interaction draws
on cognitive psychology for its theoretical base,
and software engineering for its design
approach. The user interface is the basic
structure produced by HCI design. A user
interface is that part of a technology at which a
person comes in contact with the
technology. Different types of
interaction Physical interaction Pushing
buttons, moving objects, entering a wired
space, providing resistance Perceptual
interaction Displays things we can see, makes
noises we can hear. Conceptual interaction Human
s think about what the technology is doing, and
what it should be doing. Technology provides
feedback to help.
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CS228 Human-Computer Interaction
Example interaction device The Nintendo Wii
remote
One megapixel viewing sensor
Physical interaction Can sense three axes of
orientation Three directions of
acceleration. Q How could the
remote sense/calculate linear acceleration or
rotational orientation?
Perceptual interaction Sound used for simulating
the Shooting of an arrow from a bow Sound of
arrow unleashed is made by a speaker on the
remote a short time later, the TV speakers make
the sound of the arrow hitting its target.
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CS228 Human-Computer Interaction

• In HCI, focus is human-centered
• Priority is given to the person, his/her needs,
  abilities and skills
• rather than to the technology, its needs,
  abilities and skill
• Putting people first
• Think about what people want to do,
• rather than what technology can do.
• 2. Design new ways to connect people to people,
• 3. Maximize the synergies inherent in
  collaborative work,
• 4. Involve people in the design process,
• 5. Design for diversity.

Q What are some example technologies where this
is done well? Done poorly?