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An introduction to Human-Computer InteractionHuman-Computer Interaction (HCI) has recently been defined by the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) Special Interest Group on Computer-Human Interaction (SIGCHI) as "a discipline concerned with the design, evaluation, and implementation of computing systems for human use and with the study of major phenomena surrounding them." With its roots in cognitive psychology and computer science, it is clear how the scope of HCI has grown to incorporate the social as well as cognitive aspects of computing. Originally described as Man-Machine Interaction, with specific emphasis on the 'interaction at the interface', the term HCI was adopted during the 1980s to reflect a broader conception of interacting with technology. Although not entirely correct, many today use the terms 'Human Factors', 'Human-Computer Interaction', and 'Human-Machine Interaction' interchangeably. Within the scope of this overview, the exact distinctions will not be drawn here. HCI is a highly interdisciplinary field, which draws upon numerous fields, including Psychology, Sociology, Linguistics, Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, and Computer Science, in order to design complex systems that are fit-for-purpose, efficient and effective. Ensuring 'ease-of-use', usability, operability, discoverability, simplicity, and learnability are also frequently cited goals of HCI. The importance of HCI in commercial and academic settings is highlighted by the IEEE, who recently cited HCI as one of the most critical challenges facing computer science and engineering today. According to the ACM SIGCHI, HCI research can be grouped under the following broad categories (exemplars provided):
This breadth of topics is representative of the influence of both cognitive and socio-cultural approaches within HCI. This distinction is the focus of growing tension in HCI, as practitioners seek to establish ecologically-valid findings that reflect human praxis and performance in natural settings. Consequently, there is a growing shift in HCI away from examining `Interaction in the Mind' towards evaluating `Interaction in the Wild'. Unfortunately, there still remains some reticence within industry to dedicate sufficient time, money and other resources to improving HCI; this despite the historically proven economic benefits of doing so. For this to occur, further steps are required to integrate HCI research and practice within standard economic and organisational models. Sources of Information on Human-Computer InteractionGiven its interdisciplinary nature, and the commensurate breadth of research interest, there is a wide array of books, journals and conferences which promote HCI research. BooksSolid introductions to HCI can be found in Preece et al. (1994) and Dix, Finlay, Abowd and Beale (2004). For the more advanced reader, John Carroll has edited several volumes on the state-of-the-art. These include "HCI models, theories and frameworks: Toward an interdisciplinary science" (2003) and "Human-Computer Interaction in the new millennium" (2001). "The Handbook of Task Analysis" (Diaper & Stanton, 2004) represents an excellent launch pad for examining the role of Task Analysis in HCI. This collection consists of several notable contributions by Australian academics. "Human-Centered Software Engineering" (Seffah, Gulliksen, & Desmarais, 2005) is a recent, and much needed contribution to the field, exploring the complexities and undeniable benefits of establishing greater awareness and collaboration between HCI and Software Engineering. Many researchers are already aware of the benefits of applying Use Cases and Scenarios within HCI and Software Engineering. "Usability Engineering" (Rosson & Carroll, 2002) offers an accessible and practical introduction to Scenario-Based Design. Bonnie Nardi's seminal volume on Activity Theory, "Context and Consciousness" (1996), should be of interest to anyone exploring sociological processes in design. In direct contrast, those requiring insight into the cognitive nature of decision-making in complex environments may need to consider Cognitive Task Analysis, with additional emphasis on Situation Awareness. Excellent sources here include "Cognitive Task Analysis" (Klein, 2000), "Situation Awareness Analysis and Measurement" (Endsley & Garland, 2000), and "Naturalistic Decision Making" (Zsambok & Klein, 1997). If, as often happens, you find yourself needing to consider the impact of both social/collaborative and cognitive factors on task performance, "Cognition in the wild" (Hutchins, 1995) and "Cognitive Work Analysis" (Vicente, 2004) will be of considerable value. As a final suggestion, for those interested in HCI and developing effective learning environments, “Mind and Society” (Vygotsky, 1978), “Situated Learning: Legitimate Peripheral Participation” (Lave & Wenger, 1991) and “Communities of Practice: Learning, meaning and identity” (Wenger, 2003) provide behaviourist and constructivist frameworks exploring learning in computer-mediated environments. JournalsJournals officially supported by the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) Special Interest Group on Computer-Human Interaction (SIGCHI), include TOCHI and Interactions. Other prestigious journals include:
The IEEE series of journals (Computer, Multimedia, Software) also contains regular noteworthy publications related to HCI. ConferencesHCI-related publications can be found in almost any conference today. The following selection perhaps best representative of HCI research:
Summary Written ByDepartment of Computer Science and Software Engineering Honorary Fellow, Department of Information Systems |