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

HCI interface best practices

HCI can be used in all disciplines wherever there is a possibility of using a computer, and because of the widespread use of computers, HCI practitioners should strive to apply their craft meaningfully together as a collective group. Best practices are a set of guidelines, ethics, or ideas that represent the most efficient or prudent course of action. Best practices are often set forth by an authority, such as a governing body or management; from an HCI perspective, they have been set out by thought leaders and pioneers in this field. Best practices come into play as a process for improving quality and creating standards that are used across products. Best practices are always evolving and adapt to new technologies, modalities, and audiences over time.

The prototyping methods we just discussed should do their best to apply some or all of these best practices. There are a number of best practices and we will cover them here.

Challenge 36 – Researching...