Delve into Human-Computer Interaction, learn user-centered design principles, build interactive interfaces, and evaluate models to create compelling user experiences and effective computing technologies.

Introduction to Human-Computer Interaction.png

Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) is the study of the interaction between humans and computers and the design of computing technologies. It overlaps user-centered design, user interface design, and user experience design.

In this course, you will take a deep dive into HCI, so you can create designs that provide a fantastic user experience. More specifically, you learn the rules and principles behind the good and bad design as well as how to use design models to build interactive interfaces. In the latter half of the course, you’ll learn how to evaluate different models and how HCI is used in the real world.

Whether you are new to HCI or a professional, by the end of the course you will have a clear understanding of what it means to be a user and how to implement user-centered design for the best possible results.

Introduction to Human-Computer Interaction

### Definition of HCI

**HCI** (**H**uman-**C**omputer **I**nteraction) is the study of designing, implementing, and evaluating the interactive **interfaces** used by *humans* and *computers* to interact with each other to accomplish a task.

### Components of HCI
As the name implies, **HCI** has three components: a *human*, a *computer*, and their *interaction*. Let's have a look at the significance of each.

* A *Human* is an individual user or a group of users working together to perform a specific task.
 
* A *Computer* is any computing device or technology that performs a task. It takes input via the **interface**, processes it, and returns an output.  

* An *Interaction* is an action that takes place when humans interact with a computer via an **interface**.

> 🤔 __Note__: We have used the word **interface** so many times by now. But what on earth is an **interface**? 

## What is an interface?
An *interface* is a medium for communication between two unrelated entities.

A *computer interface* is a hardware device or a system that works as a medium for communication between a computer and any other entity. 

For example, a mobile phone screen is a computer interface between a human and the mobile phone. Another example is the machine *goDoggo* that plays fetch with dogs. The dogs put balls in it, and the machine throws them. The machine's hardware acts as an interface between the dog and the machine. 

No. That’s not an easy task, and it does not sound like a feasible solution.

Want to know the solution? Then stick with us. By the end of the course, you will be an expert in inclusive interface design.

<p>No. That’s not an easy task, and it does not sound like a feasible solution.</p>
<p>Want to know the solution? Then stick with us. By the end of the course, you will be an expert in inclusive interface design.</p>


Not all users have the same physical and mental capabilities. Should we design a separate computer interface for each user?

<p>Not all users have the same physical and mental capabilities. Should we design a separate computer interface for each user?</p>


### 🤔 Point to ponder 

<h3>🤔 Point to ponder</h3>


> 🤔 __Note__: We have used the word **interface** so many times by now. But what on earth is an **interface**? 

# What is an interface?
An *interface* is a medium for communication between two unrelated entities.

Get introduced to the basic definition of HCI.

Before We Begin

Human and Computer Capabilities

Interaction

Design Rules and Fundamentals

Design Process

Phase 1: Requirements Analysis

Phase 2: Design/Prototyping/Development

Evaluation Techniques

Conclusion

What is HCI?

Introduction to HCI

What is an interface?

🤔 Point to ponder