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.
Table of Contents (17 chapters)
1
Section 1 - Learn Human-Computer Interaction
5
Section 2 - How to Build Human-Centered Software
11
Section 3 - When to Improve Software Systems

Summary

In summary, as we move into the last third of Learn Human-Computer Interaction, this chapter started to cover considerations that every HCI designer should know and that software should apply, but sadly does not. Our prototype practice from previous chapters was preparation for executing the HCI design process but was missing specifications regarding what makes great software, which is the role of reviewing universal design, usability, accessibility, and useful products as a basic human need that all software should satisfy. As an HCI designer, your role will be to build better software, which means considering all your users, not just the ones who validate your solution. As we have discussed, HCI is hard for a reason, and great software can and will impact the world, so take it seriously and apply the ideas in this chapter to all your solutions.

In the next chapter, we will focus on more skills in part 3 of the execution of software design through human-centered solutions.

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