Lesson 3: Human-Computer Interaction

Overview
Example
Quiz

Overview

Human-Computer interaction brings together humans and technology in order to accomplish a task. It involves the processes, dialogues, and actions that a user employs to interact with a computer in any given environment.

Human-Computer Interfaces allow the user to input an instruction to the computer. In turn, the computer should provide a response or feedback to the user's input. Through input devices and output devices such as displays, the user is able to see, hear, touch, and recognize the interaction.

Human-Computer Interfaces

Input Devices

There are many different kinds of input devices that can facilitate human-computer interaction. These input devices may include: keyboards, mice, joysticks, and other devices.

Output Devices

Historically, output devices have consisted of various types of displays. They can range from computer monitors to the head-mounted displays worn buy users to interact with Virtual Environments.

Human-Computer Interfaces should:

• Match physiological characteristics and expertise of the user.
  

• Be appropriate for the task to be performed.

• Be suitable for the intended work environment.

Since people come in many differenct sizes and shapes, it should come as no surprise that there is no such thing as a universal, one-size-fits-all human-computer interface.

Movie

Virtual Environment Interfaces and Displays

Virtual environments create a metaphor for the real world that the user interacts with. With the aid of head-mounted displays, datagloves, 3-D audio, haptic or tactile feedback, and other devices, the individual can interact with a virtual world which can simulate reality.

These virtual environments can be used to create simulations that can be used for many training or, perhaps, interacting with prototypes that do not yet exist in the real world.

Visit the Research Example to see more applications of Virtual Environments.

Research Example