Week 2: Human Factors in Interactive Systems
1. Human Information Processing
Definition
Human Information Processing (HIP) refers to how humans receive, interpret, store, retrieve, and
respond to information from the environment.
In HCI, understanding how users process information helps designers create systems that align
with human capabilities and limitations.
The human mind is often compared to a computer system because both:
Receive input
Process information
Store information
Produce output
However, humans are more flexible, emotional, and context-driven.
Information Processing Model
Human information processing generally follows this sequence:
Input → Processing → Output
1. Input Stage
Information enters through sensory organs.
Types of input:
Vision (eyes)
Hearing (ears)
Touch (skin)
Smell (nose)
Taste (tongue)
Example:
A user sees a notification pop-up on a smartphone.
2. Processing Stage
The brain interprets information.
Activities:
Recognizing patterns
Comparing with memory
Decision making
Problem solving
Example:
User reads notification and decides whether to open or ignore it.
3. Output Stage
Human responds through action.
Examples:
Clicking a button
Typing text
Speaking
Touching screen
Components of Human Information Processing
a) Sensory Processor
Receives raw information.
Examples:
Visual processor
Auditory processor
Characteristics:
Very short duration
High capacity
Example:
Seeing a flashing cursor.
b) Cognitive Processor
Processes meaning.
Functions:
Thinking
Reasoning
Learning
Decision making
Example:
Understanding menu options.
c) Motor Processor
Executes actions.
Examples:
Moving mouse
Pressing keyboard keys
Swiping phone screen
Importance in HCI
Understanding HIP helps designers:
Reduce cognitive overload
Improve usability
Design intuitive interfaces
Reduce user mistakes
Example:
Simple menus reduce mental effort.
2. Perception and Cognition
Perception
Definition
Perception is the process by which humans interpret sensory information.
It involves:
Seeing
Hearing
Feeling
Interpreting environmental stimuli
In HCI, perception affects how users understand interfaces.
Types of Perception
1. Visual Perception
Most HCI depends heavily on vision.
Users perceive:
Color
Shape
Size
Contrast
Motion
Example:
Red warning buttons attract attention.
Principles of Visual Perception
a) Contrast
Difference between objects and background.
Example:
Black text on white background improves readability.
Poor example:
Gray text on light gray background.
b) Color
Colors communicate meaning.
Examples:
Red = danger/error
Green = success
Blue = trust/information
Design issue:
Color blindness should be considered.
c) Grouping (Gestalt Principles)
Humans naturally group related objects.
Examples:
Similar buttons grouped together
Related fields aligned
Gestalt principles:
Proximity
Similarity
Closure
Continuity
2. Auditory Perception
Interaction through sound.
Examples:
Notification sounds
Voice assistants
Error alerts
Benefits:
Useful when visual attention is occupied
Challenges:
Noise interference
3. Haptic Perception
Interaction through touch.
Examples:
Phone vibration
Force feedback
Benefits:
Immediate tactile confirmation
Cognition
Definition
Cognition refers to mental processes involved in acquiring knowledge and understanding.
Includes:
Thinking
Learning
Problem solving
Reasoning
Decision making
Cognitive Activities in HCI
1. Learning
Users learn system behavior.
Types:
Exploratory learning
Instruction-based learning
Example:
Learning how to use Excel formulas.
2. Problem Solving
Users solve tasks through interfaces.
Example:
Finding a lost document.
3. Decision Making
Choosing among alternatives.
Example:
Selecting payment options.
4. Reasoning
Drawing conclusions.
Example:
Interpreting the analytics dashboard.
3. Memory and Attention
Memory
Definition
Memory is the ability to store and retrieve information.
Critical in HCI because users must remember:
Commands
Procedures
Passwords
Navigation paths
Types of Memory
1. Sensory Memory
Stores information briefly after perception.
Duration:
Milliseconds to seconds
Types:
Iconic memory (visual)
Echoic memory (auditory)
Example:
Seeing image briefly after it disappears.
2. Short-Term Memory (STM)
Temporary information storage.
Capacity:
Approximately 7 ± 2 items.
Duration:
15–30 seconds.
Examples:
Remembering phone number briefly
Temporary instructions
Limitations:
Very limited capacity.
Implication for HCI:
Avoid overloading users.
Bad design:
Long menu lists.
Good design:
Chunk information.
Example:
Phone number grouping:
0712 345 678
3. Long-Term Memory (LTM)
Stores information for extended periods.
Capacity:
Potentially unlimited.
Duration:
Minutes to lifetime.
Examples:
Keyboard shortcuts
Password habits
Software expertise
Types of Long-Term Memory
a) Episodic Memory
Personal experiences.
Example:
Remembering where a file was saved.
b) Semantic Memory
Facts and concepts.
Example:
Knowing Ctrl + C means copy.
c) Procedural Memory
Skills and habits.
Example:
Typing without looking.
Attention
Definition
Attention is concentration on selected information while ignoring others.
Limited resource.
Types of Attention
1. Focused Attention
Concentrating on one task.
Example:
Typing a report.
2. Divided Attention
Handling multiple tasks.
Example:
Listening to music while browsing.
Challenge:
Performance may decrease.
3. Sustained Attention
Maintaining focus over time.
Example:
Watching online lecture.
Attention in HCI
Designers should:
Highlight important information
Reduce distractions
Prioritize interface elements
Examples:
Notification badges
Progress indicators
Bad design:
Too many pop-ups.
4. Mental Models
Definition
Mental models are internal representations that users develop about how systems work.
They help users predict system behavior.
Example:
Users expect trash icon to delete files.
Importance of Mental Models
Mental models help users:
Predict outcomes
Learn faster
Navigate confidently
Without proper mental models:
Confusion occurs
Errors increase
Examples
Example 1: Desktop Metaphor
Computer desktop resembles physical desk.
Contains:
Files
Folders
Trash bin
Users transfer real-world knowledge.
Example 2: Shopping Cart
E-commerce sites use shopping carts.
Users understand:
Add items
Remove items
Checkout
Types of Mental Models
1. Conceptual Model
System design model created by designers.
Defines:
How system should work
2. User Model
How users believe system works.
Mismatch causes usability problems.
Example:
User expects auto-save, system lacks it.
Designing for Mental Models
Strategies:
Use familiar metaphors
Maintain consistency
Provide feedback
Examples:
Folder icons
Save icon
Undo button
5. Human Error and User Behavior
Human Error
Definition
Human error is an unintended action or decision leading to incorrect outcomes.
Common in HCI.
Examples:
Clicking wrong button
Deleting files accidentally
Entering wrong password
Types of Human Errors
1. Slips
Correct intention, wrong execution.
Example:
Typing wrong character.
Cause:
Attention failure.
2. Mistakes
Wrong intention or decision.
Example:
Choosing wrong menu.
Cause:
Knowledge problem.
3. Lapses
Memory failure.
Example:
Forgetting to save document.
4. Violations
Intentional rule breaking.
Example:
Ignoring warnings.
Causes of Human Error
Common causes:
Poor interface design
Stress
Fatigue
Distraction
Information overload
User Behavior
Definition
User behavior refers to how users act, think, and interact with systems.
Includes:
Habits
Preferences
Decision patterns
Factors Influencing User Behavior
1. Experience Level
Novices:
Need guidance
Experts:
Prefer shortcuts
Example:
Keyboard shortcuts for experts.
2. Motivation
Highly motivated users:
Explore more
Low motivation:
Need simplicity
3. Emotional State
Stress affects performance.
Example:
Under pressure, users make more mistakes.
4. Culture
Culture influences:
Symbols
Language
Colors
Example:
Localization needed.
Reducing Human Errors in Systems
Design strategies:
1. Error Prevention
Prevent errors before occurrence.
Examples:
Disabled buttons
Input validation
2. Error Detection
Identify errors quickly.
Examples:
Invalid email warning
3. Error Recovery
Allow correction.
Examples:
Undo
Redo
Restore deleted items
4. Clear Feedback
Inform users immediately.
Example:
“Payment successful.”
Practical Applications in HCI
Banking Systems
Need:
High accuracy
Confirmation dialogs
Healthcare Systems
Need:
Error prevention
Clear alerts
E-learning Systems
Need:
Low cognitive load
Easy navigation
Mobile Apps
Need:
Minimal attention demands
Touch-friendly design
Summary
Human factors are central in HCI.
Important concepts:
Human information processing
Perception and cognition
Memory and attention
Mental models
Human error and user behavior
Designers must align systems with human limitations and strengths.
Good HCI design:
Reduces cognitive load
Supports memory
Minimizes errors
Improves satisfaction
Examination Questions
1. Define human information processing.
2. Explain the stages of human information processing.
3. Discuss perception and cognition in HCI.
4. Explain types of memory.
5. Discuss the role of attention in HCI.
6. Define mental models with examples.
7. Explain types of human errors.
8. Discuss methods of reducing user errors.