Book Image

Learn Human-Computer Interaction

By : Christopher Reid Becker
Book Image

Learn Human-Computer Interaction

By: Christopher Reid Becker

Overview of this book

Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) is a field of study that researches, designs, and develops software solutions that solve human problems. This book will help you understand various aspects of the software development phase, from planning and data gathering through to the design and development of software solutions. The book guides you through implementing methodologies that will help you build robust software. You will perform data gathering, evaluate user data, and execute data analysis and interpretation techniques. You’ll also understand why human-centered methodologies are successful in software development, and learn how to build effective software solutions through practical research processes. The book will even show you how to translate your human understanding into software solutions through validation methods and rapid prototyping leading to usability testing. Later, you will understand how to use effective storytelling to convey the key aspects of your software to users. Throughout the book, you will learn the key concepts with the help of historical figures, best practices, and references to common challenges faced in the software industry. By the end of this book, you will be well-versed with HCI strategies and methodologies to design effective user interfaces.

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Table of Contents (17 chapters)
Preface
Preface
Who this book is for
What this book covers
To get the most out of this book
Get in touch
1
Section 1 - Learn Human-Computer Interaction
Section 1 - Learn Human-Computer Interaction
Free Chapter
2
Introducing HCI and UX Design
Introducing HCI and UX Design
Prologue
Introducing HCI and UX design
Why HCI?
Exploring HCI jargon and their acronyms
Exploring the history of computers
Evolving from T-person into a π person
The author's perspective
The HCI professions
Summary
3
Human-Centered Design Principles
Human-Centered Design Principles
Understanding the HCI ethos
How HCI is standing on the shoulders of giants
Iterative solutions and agile development
Summary
4
Interface Design Values
Interface Design Values
Solving a problem with computer software
Using computer software to build software
Human-centered software origins
Design and development tools
Coding – markup syntax and object-oriented syntax
Continually better software
Summary
5
Section 2 - How to Build Human-Centered Software
Section 2 - How to Build Human-Centered Software
6
Human-Centered Thinking
Human-Centered Thinking
Understanding the HCI designer's role
Considering the developer's role in software design
Using agile development cycles
Executing prototypes first as a design ethos
Validating with users
Summary
7
Human-Centered Methods for User Research
Human-Centered Methods for User Research
Gathering research data on our users
The human side of data collection
Exploring qualitative user research methods
The numbers side of data collection
Examining four quantitative research methods
Using qualitative and quantitative data
Summary
8
User Insights for Software Solutions
User Insights for Software Solutions
Synthesizing data into action
Rooting action to deeper user purpose
Aligning a solution to users
Summary
9
Storytelling and Rapid Prototyping
Storytelling and Rapid Prototyping
Prototyping first
System diagramming
HCI interface best practices
Software prototyping tools
Summary
10
Validating Software Solutions
Validating Software Solutions
Establishing a software hypothesis
Validating prototyping solutions
Executing usability tests
Iterating software solutions
Summary
HCI resources
11
Section 3 - When to Improve Software Systems
Section 3 - When to Improve Software Systems
12
Improving Software Systems with Data
Improving Software Systems with Data
Designing software for all users with universal design principles
Applying usability for all users
Valuing accessibility
Designing useful interfaces
Summary
13
Human-Centered Solutions
Human-Centered Solutions
Exploring open source software culture
MVC, not MVP
Iterative loops for improving software, which improves culture
Summary
14
Extending HCI
Extending HCI
Contributing to software development as a collective community
Exploring how great solutions should be shared and scaled
Evangelizing to your team and sharing common goals
Demonstrating how you care
Summary
15
The Future of HCI
The Future of HCI
Designing software is an awesome responsibility
Creating solutions that are net positive for culture
Evaluating what is off-limits
Empowering computers
Designing software for the future
Summary
16
Other Books You May Enjoy
Other Books You May Enjoy
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HCI resources

Here are some of the HCI references that I highly recommend you read alongside this book:

  • Designing the user interface by Schneiderman, B. (1998). Third edition. Addison-Wesley. (First edition published 1987).
  • Heuristic evaluation: Usability inspection methods by Jakob Nielsen (1994). Nielsen, J., and Mack, R.L. (Eds.). John Wiley & Sons.
  • Software for use, by Constantine, L. and Lockwood, L. (1999). Addison-Wesley.
  • About face 2.0: The essentials of interaction design by Alan Cooper. and Reimann, R. (2003). John Wiley & Sons.
  • Cognitive engineering principles for enhancing human-computer performance. International Journal of Human-Computer Interaction by Gerhardt-Powals, J. (1996).
  • Universal principles of design by Lidwell, W., Holden, K., and Butler, J. (2003). Rockport Publishers.
  • Ten usability heuristics by Jakob Nielsen (1994). http://www.useit.com/papers/heuristic/heuristic_list.html
  • First Principles of Interaction Design by Tognazzini, B. (2003): http:/...
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