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Information Technology - Third Year

HUMAN COMPUTER INTERACTION -

UNIT 1

INTRODUCTION

What is HCI?, Disciplines involved in HCI, Why HCI study is

important? The psychology of everydaythings Donald A. Norman,
Principles of HCI, User-centered Design. Measurable Human
factors.

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Q1. Explain the importance of HCI study while designing interfaces, with an
example.
Definition:
Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) is the study of how people interact
with computers and to design technologies that let humans interact with
computers in effective and user-friendly ways.

Diagram:

Importance of HCI in Interface Design

User-Centered Design: HCI focuses on creating interfaces that meet
users’ needs, expectations, and capabilities.
Improves Usability: It ensures that systems are easy to use, reducing
learning time and increasing efficiency.
Enhances User Satisfaction: Intuitive designs lead to positive user
experience and satisfaction.
Reduces Errors: Well-designed interfaces lower the chances of user
mistakes.

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Accessibility & Inclusion: Helps design systems usable by people with

different abilities (e.g., visually impaired users).
Saves Cost: Early HCI studies reduce development cost by minimizing
redesign efforts.

Example: ATM Machine Interface

A poorly designed ATM screen with confusing button labels or hidden
options may cause errors and user frustration. HCI principles ensure the
interface is intuitive—like clearly labeled buttons (e.g., “Withdraw,” “Check
Balance”), voice support, and confirmation screens—making it easy for
users of all age groups.

Advantages:
Improves user experience
Reduces training time
Increases system productivity
Disadvantages:
Requires user research time and resources
Design may vary based on user diversity
Applications:
Web and mobile apps
Medical devices
Smart homes and IoT

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Q2. Explain any two disciplines contributing to Human Computer

Interaction with examples.
Definition
HCI is an interdisciplinary field that combines knowledge from various
domains to design and evaluate interactive computing systems. Each
discipline contributes a unique perspective on how humans interact with
machines.

Two Key Disciplines

1. Psychology
Focus: Understands human behavior, cognitive processes, perception,
memory, and learning.
Contribution:
Guides interface layout based on attention span and mental models.
Helps in designing interfaces with proper visual hierarchy and
feedback.

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Example:
Color contrast for readability in UI (e.g., using red for errors).
Loading animations to show system response time (managing user
expectations).

1. Computer Science
Focus: Provides the technical foundation and logic for implementing user
interfaces.
Contribution:
Enables the design of responsive, dynamic, and efficient interfaces.
Supports algorithms, UI frameworks, and programming languages.
Example:
Use of JavaScript to add interactivity in web pages.
Backend validation to support form inputs in user-facing
applications.

Q2. Explain any two disciplines contributing to Human Computer

Interaction with examples.
Feedback
Definition:
Provides the technical foundation and logic for implementing user
interfaces.
Contribution:
Enables the design of responsive, dynamic, and efficient interfaces.
Supports algorithms, UI frameworks, and programming languages.

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Types of Feedback:
Visual: Button changes color, loading icon
Auditory: Beeps, voice prompts
Haptic: Phone vibration when button is pressed

Constraint
Definition:
Constraints are design limitations or rules that restrict user actions
and prevent incorrect usage.
Explanation:
They guide users toward correct usage and reduce the chance of
errors.
Example:
A greyed-out "Submit" button until all required fields are filled.

Types of Constraints:
Physical: Shape of a USB port
Logical: Next button disabled if not all steps completed
Cultural: Red means stop, green means go
Semantic: Trash icon indicates deletion

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Diagram – Feedback and Constraints in a Microwave Oven Interface

Examples Table:

Interface/Product Feedback Example Constraint Example

“Please take your cash” Cannot withdraw more

ATM
message than account balance

“Submitted successfully” Submit button disabled

Form Submission
message until form is valid

Button lights up when Cannot select restricted

Elevator
pressed floors

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Q4. Apply any two of Donald Norman’s concepts to a product or

application.

1. Affordance
Definition:
Affordance refers to the design property that suggests how an
object should be used, both physically and visually.
Explanation:
A well-designed object visually indicates its function.
Example:
A raised button on a mobile app implies it can be pressed. A door
handle suggests pulling.

1. Mapping
Definition:
Mapping is the relationship between controls and their effects,
ideally making the operation intuitive.
Explanation:
Good mapping means the controls’ layout reflects the physical or
logical structure of the system.
Example:
Knobs on a four-burner stove are laid out in the same arrangement
as the burners. Poor mapping causes user confusion.

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Diagram – Affordance and Mapping in Interfaces

Q4. Apply any two of Donald Norman’s concepts to a product or

application.

Definition
User-Centered Design (UCD) is a design philosophy and process where
the needs, preferences, and limitations of end users are given extensive
attention at every stage of the design process.
The goal is to create usable and satisfying systems by involving users
early and iteratively.

Key Phases of UCD Process

Understand Users & Context:
Identify users, their tasks, environment, and goals.
Use methods like observation, interviews, personas.
Specify User Requirements:
Translate needs into clear, measurable requirements.

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Focus on usability metrics like task time, errors.

Design Solutions:
Create low/high-fidelity prototypes.
Focus on layout, interactions, and visual cues.
Evaluate Designs:
Use usability testing with real users.
Apply feedback to refine design.
Iterate:
Repeat design-evaluation cycles until goals are achieved.

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Q4. Apply any two of Donald Norman’s concepts to a product or

application.

Introduction
Human factors refer to measurable attributes of user interaction with a
system. These factors help evaluate how usable and efficient an
interface is.

Microsoft Word – Evaluation Based on Human Factors

Human Factor Microsoft Word Evaluation

Time to Learn Low – Uses familiar layout, icons, tooltips, and help menus.

Speed of High – Quick access to formatting tools via Ribbon,

Performance keyboard shortcuts.

Low – Auto-correct, undo, and real-time grammar feedback

User Errors
reduce errors.

High – Consistent layout makes it easy for users to return

Retention
after a break and resume tasks.

High – Rich features, templates, and customization improve

Satisfaction
user satisfaction.

Windows OS – Evaluation Based on Human Factors

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Windows OS – Evaluation Based on Human Factors

Human Factor Windows OS Evaluation

Moderate – Icons and UI are intuitive; some advanced

Time to Learn
settings may need learning.

Speed of Moderate to High – Fast switching between applications,

Performance but may slow on low-end devices.

Moderate – Preventive warnings and confirmations reduce

User Errors
errors (e.g., file delete prompts).

High – Familiar UI and visual metaphors (desktop, recycle

Retention
bin) enhance memory retention.

High – Customizability, multi-tasking, and ease of use

Satisfaction
increase satisfaction.

Q4. Apply any two of Donald Norman’s concepts to a product or

application.

Introduction
Human factors refer to measurable attributes of user interaction with a
system. These factors help evaluate how usable and efficient an
interface is.
General Principles of HCI
Consistency
Interface elements should behave the same in similar contexts.
Example: Ctrl + C copies in all Microsoft apps.

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Feedbac
kUsers should receive information about what action has been done.
Example: Progress bar during file upload.
Visibility
All necessary options and information should be visible.
Example: Ribbon in MS Word shows all tool options.
Affordance
Interface elements should suggest their functionality.
Example: Buttons that look clickable.
Error Prevention and Recovery
Systems should prevent user errors and offer ways to recover.
Example: Confirmation dialog before deleting a file.
Flexibility and Efficiency
Support both novice and expert users.
Example: Menus for beginners; shortcuts for experts.
Simplicity
Avoid unnecessary complexity.
Example: Minimalistic mobile app design.
User Control
Users should feel in control of their interactions.
Example: Cancel button in all dialogs.
Match Between System and Real World
Use language and concepts familiar to the user.
Example: Recycle bin instead of “delete object buffer.”

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Q8. What is HCI? Explain any two of its application areas.

Definition
HCI (Human-Computer Interaction) is a multidisciplinary field that
focuses on the design, evaluation, and implementation of interactive
computing systems for human use.
It studies how humans interact with computers and how systems can be
designed to be efficient, usable, and satisfying for users.

HCI Involves Three Key Elements:

The User – Human factors, needs, and capabilities
The Computer – Hardware, software, interface
The Interaction – Input-output behavior, usability, and task flow

Diagram – HCI Triangle Model

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Application Areas of HCI

i) Healthcare Systems
Electronic Health Records (EHR): Designed for ease of data entry,
retrieval, and visualization
Telemedicine apps: Require intuitive UI for patients and doctors
Impact: Improves accuracy, efficiency, and user trust
ii) Gaming Industry
Game controllers and interfaces designed for responsiveness, immersion,
and ease of use
UI/UX in gaming apps must balance functionality with real-time
performance
Impact: Enhances user experience, engagement, and retention

Q9. Express your opinion – “A design should be User-Centric.”

Opinion Statement
Yes, I strongly agree that a design should be user-centric, especially in
today’s fast-evolving digital landscape.

Supporting Points
Usability is a Priority:
Designing for users ensures that products are easy to learn, use,
and remember.
Reduces Errors:
User-centric design incorporates constraints, affordances, and
feedback to guide users correctly.

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User Satisfaction:
A system that meets the user’s expectations increases adoption and
loyalty.
Better ROI for Organizations:
Products that are designed with user needs in mind are more
successful in the market.

Real-life Example
Google Search:
Clean interface, fast response, and smart suggestions make it highly
user-centric.
Bad Example:
Complex enterprise software often ignores user needs and results in low
usability and training burden.

Q10. List and Explain Different User-Centered Design (UCD) Principles

Definition of UCD
User-Centered Design (UCD) is a framework that ensures the product is
designed around the user, involving them at every stage to ensure it is
usable, accessible, and valuable.

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Key Principles of UCD

Principle Explanation

Involve real users early through interviews, observations,

Early Focus on Users
and surveys

Empirical
Base design improvements on data from usability testing
Measurement

Continuously refine designs based on feedback and testing

Iterative Design
results

Task-Oriented Understand real-world tasks the user performs and design

Design accordingly

Accessibility &
Design for users with different abilities and needs
Inclusiveness

Design for Error Anticipate and block user mistakes through smart interface
Prevention design

Consistency and Use familiar layouts, symbols, and workflows across the
Standards product

Advantages:
Improved product usability
Higher user satisfaction
Lower cost of fixing design issues post-launch
Disadvantages:
Can increase development time and cost
Requires constant user involvement

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Key Principles of UCD

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Q11. Explain the "Psychology of Everyday Things"

Definition
The Psychology of Everyday Things refers to how human behavior,
expectations, and mental models influence the way users interact with
everyday objects and systems.
Coined by Donald Norman, it emphasizes that design should align with
how users think, act, and perceive.

Key Concepts from Norman’s Psychology

Affordance
The design suggests its function (e.g., a button looks clickable)
Mapping
The relationship between control and effect is intuitive
Feedback
The system gives clear responses to actions (e.g., beep or animation)
Constraints
Prevents incorrect actions by limiting user options
Visibility
Relevant functions are clearly visible to users

Examples
Door with a flat plate suggests pushing (good affordance)
Microwave oven beeps when cooking ends (clear feedback)
ATM interface shows only valid options (logical constraints)

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Diagram – Interaction Breakdown

Q11. Explain the "Psychology of Everyday Things"

Justification Statement
Yes, the study of HCI (Human-Computer Interaction) greatly enhances the
user experience by ensuring that interfaces are designed with the user's
cognitive, physical, and emotional needs in mind.

How HCI Enhances UX

User-Centric Approach: Focus on users' needs and limitations
Reduces Errors: Clear feedback and logical mapping
Improves Learnability: Familiar layouts and consistency
Supports Efficiency: Optimized workflows, shortcuts

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Real-life Example
Example: Online Ticket Booking System
Without HCI: Users may struggle with unclear layouts and hidden
options
With HCI: Interface shows steps clearly, auto-fills data, confirms
success — reducing time and errors

Advantages:
Better task performance and satisfaction
Increased product adoption
Inclusive design for a broader audience

Application:
Google Maps uses color codes, voice guidance, and live traffic updates —
all designed using HCI principles.

Q13. Identify and explain any three disciplines contributing to HCI

Introduction
HCI is an interdisciplinary field. It draws knowledge from various domains
to improve interaction between humans and computers.

Three Major Disciplines in HCI

1. Cognitive Psychology
Focus: Mental processes like perception, memory, attention, and
problem-solving

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Contribution: Helps understand how users learn, remember, and interact

Example: Designing dashboards with minimal cognitive load

2. Computer Science
Focus: Algorithms, system design, programming, architecture
Contribution: Develops efficient, responsive, and accessible systems
Example: Responsive UIs, accessible web design, backend logic for
usability

3. Design (Graphic & Industrial)

Focus: Aesthetics, layout, color, visual hierarchy
Contribution: Makes interfaces visually appealing and easy to use
Example: Layouts that highlight important actions, visual feedback for
clicks

Advantages of Interdisciplinary Approach:

Enhances both functionality and usability
Makes systems more inclusive and efficient

Applications:
Mobile and desktop applications
Embedded systems and wearables
Smart home interfaces

Q13. Identify and explain any three disciplines contributing to HCI

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Q14. List and Explain All of Norman’s Principles with Examples

Introduction
Donald Norman, a cognitive scientist, proposed six fundamental design
principles in his book “The Design of Everyday Things”. These principles
guide user-centered interface and product design by aligning systems
with human cognition and behavior.

Norman’s 6 Principles of Design

Principle Explanation Example

A printer’s "Power" and

Functions should be visible to
1. Visibility "Print" buttons are clearly
users.
labeled.

System should give immediate A pop-up confirming form

2. Feedback
feedback for user actions. submission.

Design should suggest how it can A push plate on a door

3. Affordance
be used. implies pushing.

Relationship between controls Stove knobs aligned like

4. Mapping
and effects should be logical. burners.

Design should limit possible A USB plug fits only one

5. Constraints
misuse. way (physical constraint).

Similar operations should look Ctrl+C to copy in multiple

6. Consistency
and behave the same. applications.

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Advantages:
Enhances usability and satisfaction
Reduces errors and frustration
Encourages intuitive interaction

Applications:
Web forms, ATMs, appliance interfaces, mobile apps

Q15. Explain Any Two HCI Principles

i) Information Access Interfaces

Design should make relevant information easily accessible without
unnecessary steps.
Explanation:
Interfaces should show what users need when they need it.
Should avoid users having to search or recall from memory.
Examples:
Google Search: Autocomplete and result previews improve access.
Online forms: Showing country code dropdown next to phone number
field.

ii) Reducing Memory Load

Interfaces should minimize the amount of information users need to
remember.
Explanation:
Reduce reliance on short-term memory.

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Provide reminders, visible options, and autocomplete.

Examples:
Password managers store login data so users don’t have to memorize.
Dropdowns for selecting city/state reduce need to type full name.

Q16. List and Explain All of Shneiderman’s Golden Rules with Examples

Introduction
Ben Shneiderman, a pioneer in HCI, proposed 8 Golden Rules of
Interface Design to guide the development of consistent, usable, and
error-free systems.

The 8 Golden Rules of Interface Design

Rule
Principle Explanation Example
No.

Menu positions in
Strive for Use uniform commands,
1 all MS Office apps
consistency terminology, layout.
are consistent.

Enable frequent
Provide accelerators (e.g., Ctrl+C, drag-and-
2 users to use
shortcuts). drop.
shortcuts

“Message sent”
Offer informative Immediate feedback for
3 popup after email
feedback every user action.
submission.

“Order placed”
Design dialog to Clear start, middle, and
4 confirmation
yield closure end of tasks.
screen.

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Greyed-out submit
Prevent user errors
5 Prevent errors button until form
through design.
is valid.

Undo typing in
Permit easy Undo, redo options for safe
6 Word or
reversal of actions exploration.
Photoshop.

User sets
Support internal Users should feel in control
7 preferences in
locus of control of the system.
mobile apps.

Step-by-step
Reduce short-term wizard instead of
8 Keep necessary info visible.
memory load asking users to
recall steps.

Advantages:
Improves system usability
Increases user confidence and satisfaction
Reduces learning curve
Applications:
Desktop software, mobile applications, operating systems

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