With the advancement of technology over the decade, there has been a rising increase in the HCI systems, human-computer interaction. From the computer to mobile, every device used is based on the foundation of the same interaction that offers pillars for simple yet friendly conversation.
While the concept seems simple, this is a multidisciplinary approach that moves a step ahead of the communication quality between the user and computer and focuses on computer design. A system that is designed to enrich the customer experience and reach larger connectivity of design, research, and product development is HCI.
Initially, the concept was confined to computers only and based on the input of commands; Mockitt found that the concept has expanded to various other devices that can take commands in gesture or voice. A concept of academic investigation, HCI design is one key aspect of offering enhanced customer experience in the period to come.
What is Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)? — A Brief Introduction.
The human-computer interface or HCI is the field of science and technology that is linked to the study and understanding of design and computer technology. The multidisciplinary approach links to the technique by which the human interacts with the computer and vice-versa.
With the main focus of offering a smooth platform to connect the human and computer that can offer solutions to the customer’s questions and satisfy the user’s needs. Started in the 1980s, the concept has evolved a lot and has reached a point that offers an edge over solutions to the users.
Initially, the human-computer interaction design focused on addressing the user experience; today, it offers solutions and insights in various aspects like:
- Fun and user enjoyment
- Well-being and creating dependency
- Collective efficiency of overall improved performance
- better flow of information and communication
- Support for overall human development.
While the main aim of the human-computer interaction design is offering the best results right from the first step of implementation, some of the best practices that can help better user interaction and experience are:
- Create the elements in the interface legit
The characters and objects on the platform should be legible and clear. The user must find it easy to read through the content and grab the information that seems important to the user.
- Avoid redundancy
Redundancy is not only related to the reputation of the content but also placement. To help the users clearly understand the content, the arrangement should be friendly and appealing.
- Reduced confusion based on similarity
The use of distinguishable elements is key to designing a better HCI design. While maintaining consistency is important, it should be avoided if that creates confusion and makes users feel less connected.
- Multiple resource use is advisable
Multiple resource use refers to using images, graphs, tables, text, GIFs, videos, and various other interactive media. A perfect balance of all the resources will help the users easily understand the concept and make it friendly.
- Visual information is key
HCI is based on creating a smooth interaction between humans and computers. Based on this, visual elements act as one of the most important factors. A menu, checklist, important highlight charts, and icons are the visual elements that facilitate easy navigation and better memorization of the information.
- Make a unique appearance
Various competitors also follow the same concept of HCI. So, the key to creating a unique image and standing out of the crowd is important to develop unique features. Using the set standards is important, but designing with a difference is also important.
With the tremendous growth and continuous evolution, there are multiple aspects of using and applying the human-computer interaction UX.
An Example of Everyday Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)
Various examples reflect the use of human-computer interaction in everyday life. While most of the applications are linked to computer and mobiles, the best way to understand the application is to understand the goals:
- Develop the user-friendly technology anticipating the user expectations
- Develop the tools and techniques that help to build a sufficient system
- Develop an interface that is effective, efficient, and safe
The best example of human-computer interaction is the online e-commerce platform that allows users to interact with the computer through clicks and keywords. Also, the learning and education platforms allow learners to use interactive media to communicate with the computer and acquire knowledge.
Another most influential example of human-computer interaction in daily life is the voice command devices like Alexa or Siri, which allows the user to communicate with the system based on the voice commands. A project that is in the growing phase has applications in our everyday life, making it even more important and crucial.
Common Uses for Human-Computer Interaction (HCI).
Human-computer interaction has a wide variety of applications. The functions of the HCI that offers the most common uses of the same in a wide variety include:
- Organizational factors
- Environmental factors
- Task factors
- Productivity factors
- Comfort factors
- Interface factors
- Functionality and constraints
The most common use of HCI design is in the field of computing. Understanding the HCI is quite important, from developing new mobile devices to crafting collaborative and communication-based technical platforms. Also, in the era of self-expression and social media communication, the use of effortless human-computer interaction is important.
Crafting the technology that far succeeds human experience and usability, the human-computer interaction UX aims to support individual development and solve the issues and problems systematically and efficiently.
Some of the applications of HCI that offers the users a peep in the future are:
- Haptic gloves interact with systems based on the VR or touch, thus improving the overall customer satisfaction.
- Smartphones use the touch sensation that acts as the interface between the system and user, thus enabling higher performance.
- The next is the digitizing paper that will sense the surroundings and offer a higher customer experience.
The Relationships between Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and UX.
HCI or human-computer interaction is basically related to understanding user needs and designing the technological platform that fulfills user expectations. While experts design the system, the users can communicate with the system using the standard layout and prototyping.
While there are various aspects of how the HCI enhances the UX, the relationship between the two is quite straightforward. The basic relationship between human-computer interaction and human-computer interaction UX are:
- Develop a higher degree of usability and performance, enhancing the overall user experience.
- Offering a better sense of connectivity between the user and the system.
- Building a stronger brand value that is important for a business to flourish.
- Improving user experience and building improving loyalty.
- Developing a social media platform that offers smooth interaction and communication.
- The habit-forming technology that adapts to human experience and lifestyle for better support.
In the era where influence marketing is one of the key aspects, the use of user-friendly technology is key to attracting a higher base of loyal and lasting customers. The HCI is mainly focused on offering the customers a smooth and seamless platform for communication and interaction, which is continuously evolving.
HCI is a broad area and overlaps various fields like user-centered design (UCD), user interface (UI) design, and user experience (UX) design. Designing the interaction system that is impactful anbrbringinggs in positive changes in the market and society, human-computer interaction reduces the gap between the hut and machine understanding.
With a holistic approach to virtual reality, intuitive technology, and more efficient machines being created, human-computer interaction design serves as the root of better development for a higher user experience.