Human-computer interaction (HCI) is the study of how humans interact with computers and technology. It encompasses many disciplines, such as computer science, psychology, anthropology, cognitive science and more.
HCI seeks to design systems with intuitive user experiences and simple usability for maximum benefit to people of varying abilities and expertise, providing rapid access to needed information quickly and effortlessly.
HCI encompasses not only behavioral sciences and computer science, but also incorporates several other disciplines such as communication theory, graphic and industrial design, linguistics, psychology and cognitive psychology.
HCI seeks to understand users' mental models and design systems around them as an essential goal of its design methodologies, giving designers an effective platform for developing systems that meet user requirements.
Approaching system design from this angle is especially crucial in designing systems using technologies such as voice recognition or touch screens, which have grown increasingly popular because they enable more natural and efficient interactions between computers and their users.
HCI plays an essential role in providing a smoother and more efficient experience, but also ensures technology remains safe for the end user. This is particularly relevant in industries like healthcare where patients may interact with medical devices for extended periods of time.
HCI research is increasingly drawing upon social sciences to help understand how people interact and use computers, signalling a shift away from focusing solely on single user research and towards exploring human-computer interactions in terms of systems interactions.
This field has grown from its initial focus on mental models and computer interfaces to include sociology, anthropology, cognitive science and ergonomics - with this expansion driven by both psychology and social science's desire to apply its findings to human-computer interactions, as well as an increased awareness that computers technologies are an increasingly integral part of everyday life.
Businesses often utilize automated teller machines (ATMs), which require users to push buttons or swipe cards in order to withdraw and deposit cash. Automated Teller Machines that incorporate HCI principles ensure a user-friendly process while remaining safe for both clients and employees of a business.
Visual-based systems, which utilize graphics and animation techniques to provide users with an easier user experience, are another area of HCI that has gained popularity across industries, from banking to entertainment and beyond.
Human-computer interaction (HCI) is an extremely valuable and versatile field, which has the power to change our relationships with technology. HCI continues to adapt with advances in technology creating new opportunities for users to engage with technological solutions.
