Introduction: Human Computer Interaction

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

2. 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.

3. 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

4. How would you define usability? • Accomplish goals effectively and efficiently. • Be perceived as usable. • Transparent to the work the user is trying to accomplish.

5. 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

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

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

8. Focus of book and class • To learn the process of designing user interfaces. • The focus is not developing software that implements the interface.

9. 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

10. The Process