Unit 10 Human Computer Interaction

·   Aim

This unit aims to give learners an understanding of recent Human Computer Interaction (HCI) developments and will enable them to develop a human computer interface.

·   Unit abstract

As technology moves forward, new methods of communicating with computer systems are becoming possible. Developers need to make reasoned choices as to the nature and appropriateness of the interface they are developing or using, in order to ensure that the user interaction is as natural, efficient and effective as possible. This requires a good understanding of the essentials of HCI and of the latest developments. A long-term goal of HCI is to design systems that minimise barriers between the human’s cognitive model of what they want to do and the computer’s understanding of the user’s intent.

Learners will be encouraged to explore the detail of how users interact with software, how the interface works to help fulfil the user needs and how it makes allowances for different users. Learners will develop a critical appreciation of the advantages and disadvantages of various interfaces currently available and develop an HCI using an appropriate programming language or software tool.

·   Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit a learner will:

1. Understand recent human computer interaction related developments and their application
2. Understand the issues related to a chosen human computer interface
3. Be able to develop a human computer interface.

Unit content

1         Understand recent human computer interaction related developments and their application

HCI: historical development; motivation; techniques; guidelines; principles; standards.

Developments in technology: changing workstation environments eg screens, keyboards, pointing devices; other non standard input/output devices eg speech recognition; related processing developments and information storage possibilities

Developments in HCI: examples eg virtual machines with command line input, graphical interfaces, screen design for intensive data entry; intelligent HCIs; virtual personas; changing concepts of ‘look and feel’

User issues: range of users eg expert, regular, occasional, novice, special needs; ergonomics; human information processing; impact on the workplace

Development of systems: new developments eg event-driven systems, use of multimedia; modelling techniques; implication of new developments on user interfaces; implication of developments on hardware eg storage, processing requirements; convergence of systems

Applications: selection of HCIs eg touchscreen, voice activated

2         Understand the issues related to a chosen human computer interface

User characteristics: human memory: knowledge representation; perception; attention; reasoning; communication; skills and skills acquisition; user’s cognitive model; use of metaphors and the consequences on the design of HCI

Health and safety considerations: ergonomics and the surrounding environment eg lighting, seating; specific concerns eg Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI); legal implications

Wider considerations: costs; training; system requirements eg hardware, software, communications; information storage; health and safety

3         Be able to develop a human computer interface

Modelling the interface: mapping the system functionality to the conceptual model; grouping of the tasks into logical sets

Analysis: task analysis; user-centred methodologies eg storyboarding, user needs analysis; HCI options; usability objectives eg performance or response requirements

Design: rules and heuristics for HCI design; review of proprietary examples; supporting information eg context sensitive help, online help/documentation; design tools; design principles eg tolerance, simplicity, consistency, provision of feedback.

Production: selection of tools; production of interface; testing

Evaluating an HCI: functionality characteristics eg keystroke effort per task; ability to navigate within the system; ability to configure the HCI; user satisfaction against requirements; use of quality metrics eg Fitt’s Law, Keystroke Level Method; test documentation

Learning outcomes and assessment criteria

Learning outcomes   On successful completion of this unit a learner will:	Assessment criteria for pass   The learner can:
LO1 Understand recent human computer interaction related developments and their application	evaluate recent HCI related developments and their applicationsdiscuss the impact of HCI in the workplace
LO2 Understand the issues related to a chosen human computer interface	2.1 discuss the issues related to user characteristics for a chosen HCI
LO3 Be able to develop a human computer interface	design and create a human computer interface for a specified applicationexplain the principles that have been applied to the designcritically review and test an interfaceanalyse actual test results against expected results to identify discrepanciesevaluate independent feedback and make recommendations for improvementscreate onscreen help to assist the users of an interfacecreate documentation for the support and maintenance of an interface.

Guidance

Links to National Occupational Standards, other BTEC units, other BTEC qualifications and other relevant units and qualifications

The learning outcomes associated with this unit are closely linked with:

Level 3	Level 4	Level 5
Unit 23: Human Computer Interaction	Unit 11: Digital Media in Art and Design	Unit 37: Digital Image Creation and Development
Unit 14 Website Design	Unit 12: 2D, 3D, and Time- based Digital Applications	Unit 38: 3D Computer Modelling and Animation
	Unit 13: Multimedia Design and Authoring	Unit 2 Computer Systems
	Unit 14: Website Design

This unit has links to the Level 4 and Level 5 National Occupational Standards for IT and Telecoms Professionals, particularly the areas of competence of:

• Human Computer Interaction/Interface (HCI) Design.

Essential requirements

Learners must have access to a cross-section of applications on differing platforms presenting a range of HCI. Learners should also have access to a development environment that allows rapid prototyping.

This unit must be a balance between theory and practical experience. Learners must be exposed to a range of HCIs as possible, and be encouraged to criticise them. Where possible, tools for developing software prototypes must be used to allow the rapid production of HCIs. The design of the HCI must be seen as an integral part of the software development process.

Evidence can be obtained from investigating a wide range of HCI applications. Learners must show that they are capable of identifying the main features of a given HCI, that they can diagnose the failings of the interface and propose improvements in the light of user needs.