Initial Idea 1: Human-Computer Interaction

(Rawpixel, 2021)

 

The first idea for my project topic is in line with my continuation route in De Montfort University, which is "Computer Science". The topic I chose in this field is Human-Computer Interaction (HCI). 

According to the Interaction Design Foundation (IDF) (2022), "Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) is a multidisciplinary field of study focusing on the design of computer technology and, in particular, the interaction between humans (the users) and computers. While initially concerned with computers, HCI has since expanded to cover almost all forms of information technology design."

Also referred to as Man-Machine Interaction, this field is chiefly associated with the design, usage and evaluation of "interactive computing systems for human use", and aims at discovering the areas surrounding this field (Sinha, Shahi, and Shankar, 2010).  

The field of HCI deals with two main components, which are 'Functionality' and 'Usability'.

According to Sinha, Shahi, and Shankar (2010), the Functionality of any given system is characterized "by the set of actions or services that it provides to its users. However, the value of functionality is visible only when it becomes possible to be efficiently utilized by the user."

Sinha, Shahi, and Shankar (2010) also describe Usability as "the range and degree by which the system can be used efficiently and adequately to accomplish certain goals for certain users. The actual effectiveness of a system is achieved when there is a proper balance between the functionality and usability of the system."

The concept of Human-Computer interaction traces its origin to the first general purpose electronic computer called the Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer (ENIAC) in 1946. HCI is now "concerned with:

i).  the methodologies and processes for designing interfaces.

ii). techniques for evaluating and comparing interfaces.

iii). developing new interfaces and interaction techniques.

iv). methods for implementing interfaces

v). developing descriptive and predictive models and theories of interaction." (Sinha, Shahi, and Shankar, 2010)

Over time, HCI has acquired a central goal, which is to bridge the gap in the communication and interaction between computers and humans, by designing systems that eliminate the barriers between what humans want and how computer systems understand them (Sinha, Shahi, and Shankar, 2010).

I chose this topic to study more about this intriguing field that plays an immense role, especially in the world today. Additionally, I chose this topic to uncover various fields of uncertainty, in the interaction between computers and people living with disabilities across a wide spectrum.

Reference(s)

         IDF (2022) What is human-computer interaction (HCI)?, The Interaction Design Foundation. Interaction Design Foundation. Available at: https://www.interaction-design.org/literature/topics/human-computer-interaction (Accessed: April 23, 2023).

         Rawpixel (2021) Free Photo: Technology Human Touch Background, modern remake of the creation of adam, Freepik. Available at: https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/technology-human-touch-background-modern-remake-creation-adam_17851045.htm#query=human%20robot%20hand&position=0&from_view=search&track=ais (Accessed: 02 May 2023).

         Sinha, G., Shahi, R. and Shankar, M., 2010, November. Human computer interaction. In 2010 3rd International Conference on Emerging Trends in Engineering and Technology (pp. 1-4). IEEE.