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
Human-Centered Methods for User Research

Human-centered methods of user research consist of a combination of many user research methods, and we will focus on qualitative and quantitative methods that you will apply in your human-computer interaction (HCI) design process. We will frame the tangible steps taken while developing software and outline some of the methodologies for building human-centered software solutions.

As HCI designers, we should strive to make great software, which starts with focusing on what our users need and refusing to compromise the user's experience because other options are easier, cheaper, or faster to produce. Understanding your users at a deep level is essential to HCI, and this chapter is a practical guide to implement the human-centered design process. Design, development work, and research bring users together to build great software solutions...