HUMAN COMPUTER INTERACTION

B.V. Raju Institute of Technology

(Autonomous)
Vishnupur, Narsapur, Medak (District) – 502313
Department of Computer Science and
Engineering

SYLLABUS

Unit I: (12 Periods)

Interactive system design: Concept of usability, HCI and software engineering, GUI Design
and aesthetics. Prototyping techniques.
Model-based design and Evaluation: Basic idea, introduction to different types of models,
GOMS family of models (KLM and CMN-GOMS), Fitt’s law and and Hick-hyman’s
law,Model-based design.
Unit II: (10 Periods)
Guidelines in HCI: Shneiderman’s eight golden rules, Norman’s seven principles, Norman’s
model of interaction, Nielsen’s ten heuristics with example of its use , Heuristic evaluation,
contextual inquiry, Cognitive walkthrough.
Unit III: (10 Periods)
Empirical research methods in HCI: Introduction (motivation, issues, research question
formulation techniques), experiment design and data analysis.
Task modeling and analysis: Hierarchical task analysis (HTA), Engineering task models
and Concur Task Tree (CTT).
Unit IV: (6 Periods)
Dialog Design: Introduction to formalism in dialog design design using FSM (Finite State
Machines), State charts and (Classical) Petri Nets in dialog design.
Unit V: (8 Periods)
Cognitive Architecture: Introduction to CA, CA types, relevance of CA in IS design, Model
Human Processor (MHP).

Textbooks:
1. Dix A., Finlay J.,Abowd G. D. and Beale R. Human Computer Interaction, 3 rd edition,
Pearson Education, 2005
References:
1. Yvonne Rogers, Helen Sharp, Jennifer Preece; Interaction Design 3 rd Edition Wiley 2011.
2. Preece J., Rogers Y.,Sharp H.,Baniyon D., Holland S. and Carey T. Human Computer
Interaction,Addison-Wesley, 1994.
3. B.Shneiderman; Designing the User Interface,Addison Wesley 2000 (Indian Reprint).
NPTEL Course https://nptel.ac.in/content/syllabus_pdf/106103115.pdf

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Unit II

Guidelines in HCI: Shneiderman’s eight golden rules

Ben Shneiderman, a computer scientist and professor at the University of Maryland,
proposed a set of design principles known as "Shneiderman's Eight Golden Rules" for creating
user-friendly and effective user interfaces. These rules serve as guidelines for designing
interactive systems and improving user experience. Here are the Eight Golden Rules:
 Strive for Consistency.
 Cater to Universal Usability.
 Offer Informative feedback.
 Design Dialogs to yield closure.
 Prevent Errors.
 Permit easy reversal of actions.
 Support internal locus of control.
 Reduce short term memory load.
1. Strive for consistency: Maintain a consistent design throughout the interface, using familiar
elements and behaviors that users can recognize and understand.

2. Enable frequent users to use shortcuts: Provide shortcuts or accelerators that allow
experienced users to perform tasks more quickly. This helps improve efficiency and
productivity.

3. Offer informative feedback: Provide clear and timely feedback to users about the outcome
of their actions. Users should know what's happening and the result of their interactions.

4. Design dialogs to yield closure: Ensure that user interactions follow a clear and logical
sequence, with a definite beginning, middle, and end. This helps users understand the flow of
the interaction.

5. Offer error prevention and simple error handling: Design the interface to minimize the
occurrence of errors, and provide effective error messages that guide users on how to correct
mistakes if they occur.

6. Permit easy reversal of actions: Allow users to undo or reverse their actions easily, so they
feel more in control and confident while using the interface.

7. Support internal locus of control: Users should feel like they are in control of the system
and can predict its behavior. Design the interface to be user-centric and empower users to
achieve their goals.

8. Reduce short-term memory load: Minimize the cognitive load on users' short-term
memory by organizing information and actions in a way that is intuitive and easy to
understand.
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These Eight Golden Rules provide a foundation for designing user-friendly interfaces that
enhance usability, user satisfaction, and overall effectiveness. By following these principles,
designers can create interfaces that are intuitive, efficient, and conducive to a positive user
experience.

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Norman’s seven principles

Don Norman, a cognitive scientist and design advocate, proposed a set of principles known as
"Norman's Seven Principles" for creating user-centered design. These principles emphasize
the importance of designing products and interfaces that are intuitive, usable, and aligned
with users' needs and expectations. Here are Norman's Seven Principles:

1. Visibility: Make the most important elements and functions of the interface visible
and easily discoverable. Users should be able to quickly understand the options
available to them and how to use them.

2. Feedback: Provide clear and immediate feedback to users after they perform an
action. Users should be informed about the system's response to their actions, helping
them understand the outcome of their interactions.

3. Constraints: Use constraints to prevent users from taking unintended actions or

making errors. By limiting the possible interactions, you can guide users toward the
correct and desired actions.

4. Mapping: Ensure a clear and intuitive mapping between controls and their effects.
Users should be able to easily understand how their actions relate to the outcome,
making the interface more predictable and understandable.

5. Consistency: Maintain consistency in the design, both within the interface itself and
in relation to other products or interfaces users might be familiar with. Consistency
reduces cognitive load and makes the learning curve smoother.

6. Affordances: Design elements in a way that suggests their functionality. Users should
be able to intuitively understand how to interact with an element based on its
appearance or behavior.

7. Conceptual Models: Create a clear and accurate mental model for users to
understand how the system works. Users should have a solid understanding of the
system's behavior and its underlying concepts.

These principles align with the concept of user-centered design and can help designers create
products and interfaces that are user-friendly, efficient, and effective. By considering these

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principles during the design process, designers can improve user satisfaction and overall
usability.

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Norman’s model of interaction
Don Norman introduced a model of human-computer interaction known as the "Gulf of
Execution and Gulf of Evaluation." This model highlights two key aspects of the interaction
between users and systems: the Gulf of Execution and the Gulf of Evaluation.
1. Gulf of Execution: This refers to the gap between a user's intentions and the actions
they need to take to achieve those intentions using the system. In other words, it's the
cognitive effort required for users to figure out how to use the system to accomplish
their goals. Designers should strive to minimize this gulf by making the system's
functionalities and controls more apparent and intuitive.

2. Gulf of Evaluation: This is the gap between the system's output or feedback and the
user's understanding of that feedback. It represents the cognitive effort needed to
interpret the system's response and determine whether the user's goal has been
achieved. Designers should aim to reduce this gulf by providing clear and meaningful
feedback that helps users understand the results of their actions.

The overarching goal of Norman's model is to minimize these "gulfs" by designing user
interfaces that are easy to understand, intuitive to use, and provide clear and informative
feedback. By narrowing the Gulf of Execution and the Gulf of Evaluation, designers can
create interfaces that are more user-friendly and result in a more positive user experience.

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Nielsen’s ten heuristics with example of its use
Jakob Nielsen, a renowned usability expert, formulated a set of heuristics (guidelines) for
evaluating user interfaces. These heuristics are intended to identify usability issues and
improve the overall user experience. Here are Nielsen's ten heuristics, along with examples of
how they can be applied:

1. Visibility of System Status: Keep users informed about what is happening within the
system through appropriate feedback. For example, showing a progress indicator
during a file upload process or displaying a loading spinner when content is loading.

2. Match between System and Real World: Use language, terminology, and concepts
familiar to users. For instance, using standard icons like a trash can for deleting items
or a floppy disk for saving.

3. User Control and Freedom: Allow users to easily reverse actions without
unintended consequences. For example, providing an "Undo" option after deleting a
file.
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4. Consistency and Standards: Maintain consistency in design, terminology, and
interactions across the entire interface. Using the same color scheme and layout across
different sections of a website.

5. Error Prevention: Design the interface to prevent errors from occurring in the first
place. For instance, disabling the "Submit" button until all required fields are filled in
a form.

6. Recognition Rather than Recall: Present information and options in a way that
doesn't require users to remember previous actions. Using a visible menu or
navigation bar instead of relying solely on hidden gestures.

7. Flexibility and Efficiency of Use: Cater to both novice and expert users by providing
shortcuts or accelerators. Allowing users to use keyboard shortcuts to perform tasks
that they frequently perform.

8. Aesthetic and Minimalist Design: Keep the interface simple, avoiding unnecessary
elements that may distract or confuse users. Using whitespace to create a clean and
uncluttered visual design.

9. Help Users Recognize, Diagnose, and Recover from Errors: Clearly explain error
messages and provide guidance on how to correct them. Providing a descriptive error
message with suggestions for resolving the issue.

10. Help and Documentation: Make help resources easily accessible and offer clear
instructions for users who need assistance. Providing a searchable knowledge base or
a "Help" button that leads to relevant documentation.

These heuristics serve as a valuable tool for evaluating user interfaces and identifying
usability problems. Designers and usability experts can apply these heuristics during the
design and evaluation process to create more user-friendly and effective interfaces.

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Heuristic evaluation

Heuristic Evaluation is a usability inspection method used to identify usability problems

in a user interface design. It involves having usability experts or evaluators examine a user
interface based on a set of established usability heuristics or guidelines, such as Jakob
Nielsen's ten heuristics. The goal of heuristic evaluation is to uncover potential usability
issues early in the design process so that they can be addressed before the product is finalized
and released to users.

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Here's how the heuristic evaluation process typically works:

1. Select a Set of Heuristics: Choose a set of usability heuristics or guidelines that

will be used as the basis for evaluation. These heuristics help evaluators
systematically analyze the interface.

2. Gather Evaluators: Assemble a group of usability experts or evaluators who are

familiar with the chosen heuristics and have a good understanding of user
interface design principles.

3. Individual Evaluation: Each evaluator independently examines the user interface

and interacts with it as if they were users. They identify any violations of the
selected heuristics or any usability problems they encounter.

4. Document Findings: Evaluators document their findings in a structured manner,

describing the usability problems they identified, the specific heuristic violated,
and suggestions for improvement.

5. Consolidate Results: The results from all evaluators are consolidated, and
common usability issues are identified. This step helps prioritize and understand
the severity of the identified problems.

6. Iterative Review: The design team reviews the evaluators' findings and
recommendations. Iterative discussions may take place to better understand the
context and potential solutions for the identified problems.

7. Design Refinements: Based on the evaluation findings, the design team makes
refinements and improvements to the user interface to address the identified
usability issues.

8. Repeat Evaluation: The modified design is re-evaluated using the heuristic

evaluation method to ensure that the identified issues have been resolved and to
identify any new problems introduced during the changes.

Heuristic evaluation is a cost-effective method for uncovering usability problems early in

the design process. However, it is important to note that heuristic evaluation is not a
substitute for usability testing with actual users. While it can provide valuable insights into
potential issues, it may not capture all user perspectives and behaviors that usability testing
can reveal. Therefore, a combination of heuristic evaluation and usability testing is often
recommended for a comprehensive evaluation of a user interface design.

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Contextual inquiry
Contextual Inquiry is a user-centered research method used in the field of Human-
Computer Interaction (HCI) and user experience (UX) design. It involves observing and
interviewing users in their real-world environments while they perform tasks related to a
specific product or system. The goal of a contextual inquiry is to gain a deep understanding
of users' needs, behaviors, and motivations, which can then inform the design and
development of user-friendly and effective products.

Here's how a contextual inquiry typically works:

1. Selection of Participants: Identify and recruit participants who are representative

of the target user group for the product or system you are designing.

2. Contextual Setting: Conduct the inquiry in the users' natural environment, where
they typically use the product. This could be their workplace, home, or any other
relevant location.

3. Observation and Interaction: The researcher observes the participant as they

perform tasks or engage with the product. The researcher may ask questions,
encourage the participant to think aloud, and take notes on their actions,
behaviors, and decision-making processes.

4. Interviewing: After the participant has completed the task or interaction, the
researcher conducts an interview. The interview seeks to gather more in-depth
information about the participant's experiences, thought processes, challenges, and
goals.

5. Documentation: The researcher documents detailed notes, audio or video

recordings, photographs, and sketches of the observed interactions and interviews.

6. Data Analysis: The collected data is analyzed to identify patterns, insights, and
usability issues. Themes and commonalities in users' behaviors and needs are
extracted.

7. Findings and Insights: The research findings provide valuable insights into how
users interact with the product, the problems they encounter, and the factors that
influence their decisions.

8. Design Implications: The insights gained from the contextual inquiry inform the
design and development process. Designers can use this information to create
user-centered solutions that better meet users' needs and preferences.

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Contextual inquiry is particularly useful for uncovering context-specific and nuanced
user behaviors and needs that might not be captured through traditional usability testing or
surveys. It provides a holistic view of users' experiences and the real-world challenges they
face. By immersing researchers in users' environments and interactions, contextual inquiry
helps bridge the gap between user needs and design decisions, leading to more effective and
user-friendly products.

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Cognitive walkthrough
Cognitive Walkthrough is a usability evaluation method used in the field of Human-
Computer Interaction (HCI) and user experience (UX) design. It focuses on assessing the
user-friendliness of a system's interface by simulating user interactions and analyzing how
effectively users can achieve their goals. The method is particularly valuable in identifying
usability issues and potential difficulties that users might encounter during their interactions
with a product.

Here's how a cognitive walkthrough is typically conducted:

1. Task Selection: Choose specific tasks or scenarios that users are likely to
perform with the system. These tasks should represent common user goals or
actions.

2. Gather a Multidisciplinary Team: Assemble a team of evaluators, which can

include designers, usability experts, and other stakeholders. Each evaluator will
go through the walkthrough independently.

3. Assumptions and Personas: The evaluators adopt the perspective of an end user
and make assumptions about the user's knowledge and experience. Personas
representing typical users may be created to guide the evaluators.

4. Step-by-Step Analysis: For each task, evaluators go through a step-by-step

analysis of the user interface, considering the following questions:
a. Will the user try to achieve the right effect?
b. Will the user notice that the correct action is available?
c. Will the user associate the correct action with the effect they are trying to
achieve?
d. Is the user's action the most efficient or preferred method to achieve the
desired effect?

5. Identify Potential Problems: Evaluators identify potential usability problems,

obstacles, and issues that users might face at each step of the task. They note any
instances where the user might struggle to understand or interact with the
interface.
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6. Documentation: The evaluators document their findings, including descriptions
of the identified issues, the specific steps where problems occur, and
recommendations for improvement.

7. Analysis and Recommendations: The results from all evaluators are analyzed to
identify common usability issues and patterns. Based on the findings, the design
team can prioritize and address the identified problems.

Cognitive walkthroughs provide a structured and systematic way to assess the user-
friendliness of an interface, focusing on the thought processes and interactions that users go
through. This method can be particularly valuable during the early stages of design and
development to identify and address usability issues before the product is finalized. It
complements other usability evaluation methods, such as heuristic evaluation and usability
testing, to create a comprehensive understanding of a product's usability.

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