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

Considering the developer's role in software design

Computer software is, fundamentally, code. Because software is executed as code, the role of a software developer is essential to the execution of any piece of software. Many HCI designers are the bi-product of computer science departments through university systems around the globe. Some developers have been trained through HCI departments or courses, but there is a significant number of developers who are just versed in the code side of the equation but lack the understanding of the human or design components of the software process. The reality is that there are lots of different types of developers, just as there are different types of people. My goal is to introduce you to a variety of developers and how they can make up aspects of the software design team. As HCI designers, we will be navigating and creating software solutions that will require getting our hands into code, and some of you may even consider yourself a developer...