Introduction: Human Computer Interaction

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Introduction Human Computer Interaction
HFE 451/651 Dr. Gallimore Spring 2000
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References

• Developing User Interfaces Ensuring Usability
  through product and process. Hix Hartman, 1993.
  New York John Wiley Sons.
• User and task analysis for interface design.
  Hackos Redish, 1998. New York John Wiley
  Sons.

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Introduction

• Why worry about HCI?
• The user interface can make or break a software
  package
• 48-100 of code for an interactive system is used
  to support the interface
• Want to make the product usable
• As similar products become available to
  consumers, products that are designed for the
  user will have the market advantage

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How would you define usability?

• Accomplish goals effectively and efficiently.
• Be perceived as usable.
• Transparent to the work the user is trying to
  accomplish.

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Defining Usability Cont.

• Example characteristics
• ease of learning
• high speed
• low error rate
• subjective satisfaction
• retention over time
• Reflect work flows that are familiar or
  comfortable
• support users learning style
• encompass a design concept (metaphor or idiom)
  that is familiar to the users.
• Consistency of presentation
• use language and illustrations that are familiar
  or easy to learn

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Focus on user not technology

• Focus should be on user and goals, not what
  technology can do.

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User Interface Design

• User interface design is an art and a science.
  There is no formula. There is a process,
  recommendations and guidelines.

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Focus of book and class

• To learn the process of designing user
  interfaces.
• The focus is not developing software that
  implements the interface.

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The Process

• The process is user centered
• The user is considered at the beginning of the
  design process
• The process is iterative
• The process involves testing

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The Process