MODULE OVERVIEW
Human–Computer Interaction (HCI) is a field of study that focuses on the
design, evaluation, and implementation of interactive computing systems for
human use. Unlike purely technical subjects, HCI emphasizes the relationship
between humans and technology. Understanding this relationship requires
knowledge from multiple disciplines such as computer science, psychology,
design, and social sciences.
This module introduces students to the interdisciplinary nature of HCI and
explains how human sensory systems, perception, memory, and cognition
influence the design of user-friendly interfaces. By understanding how
humans interact with computers, students will learn how to create systems
that are usable, accessible, and efficient.
INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
At the end of this module, the students must be able to:
1. Explain the interdisciplinary nature of Human–Computer Interaction by
identifying the contributions of computer science, psychology, design,
and social sciences, and how these disciplines collaborate to improve
usability, accessibility, and user experience.
2. Analyze human–computer interaction by describing the roles of
human input and output channels (vision, hearing, and touch) and
applying principles of human perception, memory, and cognition in
designing user-friendly interfaces.
MODULE CONTENT
Introduction to Human–Computer Interaction
What is Human–Computer Interaction (HCI)?
Human–Computer Interaction (HCI) is the study of how people interact with
computers and how computer systems can be designed to support effective
human use. HCI focuses not only on making systems functional but also on
making them easy to learn, efficient to use, safe, and satisfying.
In simple terms, HCI answers questions such as:
Is the system easy to understand?
Can users complete tasks without confusion?
Does the system match human capabilities and limitations?
Examples of systems studied in HCI include:
Websites and mobile applications
ATM machines
E-learning platforms
Smart devices and kiosks
The 4 Main Goals of HCI
When experts design a system using HCI principles, they aren't just trying to
make it "work." They are looking for four specific things:
Easy to Learn: Can you pick it up and use it without reading a 50-
page manual? (Think of how a toddler can use an iPad).
Efficient to Use: Once you know how to use it, can you get your task
done quickly, or are there too many annoying menus and clicks?
Safe: Does the design prevent you from making big mistakes, like
accidentally deleting all your files with one wrong click?
Satisfying: Does the app or device feel good to use, or does it leave
you feeling frustrated and stressed?
Importance of HCI
When a system is built without focusing on the user (poor HCI), it creates
several negative "ripple effects":
User Frustration: If a system is confusing or doesn't behave as
expected, users feel a lack of control. This leads to stress and a
"dislike" of the technology.
Errors and Mistakes: Poorly labeled buttons or complex navigation
increase the chance that a user will click the wrong thing. In critical
fields like medicine or aviation, these "interface errors" can be fatal.
Reduced Productivity: If it takes 10 clicks to do a task that should
take 2, time is wasted. Over a workday, these small delays significantly
lower the amount of work completed.
Safety Risks: In industrial settings or healthcare, a system that is
hard to read or slow to respond can lead to accidents or delayed
emergency responses.
A well-designed system follows HCI principles to ensure the technology "fits"
the human user:
Improved Efficiency & Satisfaction: When a system is intuitive,
users complete tasks faster and feel more confident and happier while
using the tool.
Reduced Training Time: If a design is "natural" (like using a trash
can icon for deleting), companies don't need to spend as much money
or time teaching employees how to use the software.
Increased Accessibility: Good HCI ensures that technology is usable
by everyone, including people with visual, hearing, or motor
impairments (e.g., screen readers or voice commands).
Enhanced Overall User Experience (UX): This goes beyond just
"working." It’s about creating a smooth, pleasant, and seamless
journey for the user from start to finish.
Interdisciplinary Nature of Human–Computer Interaction
HCI is an interdisciplinary field, meaning it combines knowledge from
different areas of study to solve complex problems involving humans and
computers.
Contribution of Computer Science
Computer science provides the technical foundation of HCI. It focuses on how
systems are built and how they function.
Key contributions include:
Software development and programming
Interface implementation
System performance and responsiveness
Data processing and system architecture
Without computer science, interactive systems would not exist. However,
technical correctness alone does not guarantee usability.
Contribution of Psychology
Psychology helps designers understand human behavior and mental
processes.
Key contributions include:
Understanding attention and perception
Studying memory and learning
Analyzing user behavior and decision-making
Reducing cognitive load
Psychology ensures that systems match how users think and process
information rather than forcing users to adapt to the system.
Contribution of Design
Design focuses on how systems look and feel.
Key contributions include:
Layout and visual hierarchy
Color theory and typography
Icon design and consistency
Emotional impact of interfaces
Good design improves clarity, attractiveness, and ease of use, making
systems more engaging and intuitive.
Contribution of Social Sciences
Social sciences consider the social, cultural, and ethical aspects of
technology.
Key contributions include:
Cultural sensitivity in interface design
Social interaction and collaboration tools
Ethical considerations and data privacy
Accessibility and inclusivity
This discipline ensures that systems are appropriate for diverse users and
real-world contexts.
Collaboration of Disciplines in HCI
Effective HCI design happens when all disciplines work together.
For example, a mobile banking application requires:
Computer Science to ensure security and performance
Psychology to minimize user errors
Design to present clear and readable screens
Social Sciences to address trust and accessibility issues
Humans as Input and Output Channels
Humans interact with computers by sending information to the computer
(input) and receiving information from the computer (output). This
interaction happens through the human sensory systems, such as vision,
hearing, and touch. In Human–Computer Interaction (HCI), understanding
how this sensory systems work is important because computers must be
designed in a way that matches human capabilities and limitations.
Unlike computers, humans do not process information instantly or perfectly.
Humans can become distracted, misinterpret information, or forget details.
Therefore, interactive systems must present information clearly and allow
users to interact with them in a natural and comfortable way.
Input Channels
Input channels refer to the ways humans provide information or commands
to a computer. These channels are closely connected to human senses and
physical actions.
Common human input channels include:
Vision – reading text, recognizing icons, observing colors and symbols
Hearing – listening to audio instructions, alerts, or voice feedback
Touch – tapping, clicking, swiping, typing, or pressing buttons
Examples of input actions:
Clicking a mouse or tapping a touchscreen
Typing on a keyboard
Speaking to a voice assistant
Using gestures such as swipe or pinch
Good interface design ensures that these input actions are easy to perform,
accurate, and require minimal effort from the user.
Output Channels
Output channels refer to how computers send information back to the user.
These outputs must be presented in a way that humans can easily
understand using their senses.
Common output channels include:
Visual output – text, images, icons, videos, and animations displayed
on a screen
Audio output – sounds, alerts, voice responses, and notifications
Haptic output – vibrations or tactile feedback (e.g., phone vibration)
Examples of output:
A message appearing on the screen
A notification sound when a message is received
A vibration confirming a button press
Effective output design provides clear feedback, helping users understand
what the system is doing and whether their actions were successful.
Human Information Processing in Interaction
Human interaction with computers can be explained using a simple model:
1. Input – The user receives information through the senses or gives
commands to the system.
2. Processing – The brain interprets the information, makes decisions, and
plans actions.
3. Output – The user responds by performing an action, such as clicking a
button or typing a response.
This process happens continuously during interaction. Designers must
consider this cycle to avoid overwhelming users with too much information
or complex tasks.
Why Understanding Input and Output Channels Matters in HCI
Understanding human input and output channels helps designers:
Reduce user errors
Improve speed and efficiency of interaction
Increase comfort and satisfaction
Design systems accessible to users with different abilities
For example:
Large buttons help users with limited motor control
Clear text and high contrast help users with visual impairments
Audio feedback assists users who may not always look at the screen
Human Perception, Memory, and Cognition
Human Perception
Perception refers to how humans interpret sensory information.
Key principles:
Gestalt principles (proximity, similarity, contrast)
Clear visual grouping
Use of affordances (visual clues on how to use something)
Human Memory
Human memory is limited.
Design principles:
Reduce reliance on memory
Favor recognition over recall
Provide visual reminders and cues
Examples include menus, icons, and autocomplete features.
Human Cognition
Cognition involves thinking, reasoning, and problem-solving.
Design considerations:
Reduce cognitive load
Use consistent layouts
Match user mental models
Provide clear feedback
Applying Human Principles to Interface Design
User-friendly interfaces:
Are simple and consistent
Use familiar terms and symbols
Provide immediate feedback
Prevent errors and support recovery
MODULE SUMMARY
Human–Computer Interaction is a human-centered field that combines
multiple disciplines to create effective interactive systems. By understanding
human sensory systems, perception, memory, and cognition, designers and
developers can build interfaces that are usable, accessible, and enjoyable for
users.
REFERENCES
Designing the User Interface: Strategies for Effective Human–Computer
Interaction (6th ed.) — Ben Shneiderman, et al.
Human–Computer Interaction (3rd ed.) — Alan Dix, Janet Finlay,
Gregory Abowd, Russell Beale.
The Design of Everyday Things — Don Norman.
Human–Computer Interaction Handbook: Fundamentals, Evolving
Technologies, and Emerging Applications (3rd ed.) — Andrew Sears &
Julie A. Jacko (Editors).
The Encyclopedia of Human–Computer Interaction (2nd ed.) —
Interaction Design Foundation.
LEARNING ACTIVITIES
Activity 1: Interdisciplinary Analysis
Instructions:
1. Choose one application that you regularly use (e.g., Facebook, GCash,
Shopee, Google Classroom, mobile banking app, or any website).
2. Observe how the application works and looks.
3. Identify how the following disciplines contributed to the design of the
application:
o Computer Science – How the system functions (features,
performance, security, buttons, navigation)
o Psychology – How the app is easy to understand and use (layout,
flow, feedback, reduced confusion)
o Design – Visual appearance such as colors, icons, fonts, and
layout
o Social Sciences – Consideration of users, culture, accessibility,
and social behavior
4. Write a short explanation (2–3 sentences each) describing the role of
each discipline in the application.
Output:
A short written analysis showing how different disciplines work together to
make the application usable and user-friendly.