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2.7. Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)

Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) is a multidisciplinary field that focuses on the design, evaluation, and implementation of interactive computing systems for human use, and the study of major phenomena surrounding them. HCI integrates knowledge and methods from computer science, psychology, design, sociology, and other fields to create technologies that are useful, usable, and satisfying for people. The core goal of HCI is to improve interactions between users and computers by making systems more usable, accessible, and efficient while considering human capabilities and limitations.

In today's world where computing technology permeates every aspect of daily life-from smartphones and websites to medical devices and smart home systems-HCI principles are essential for creating systems that people can effectively and safely use. HCI emphasizes user-centered design processes, iterative prototyping, and empirical evaluation to ensure that systems meet real user needs. The field addresses diverse topics including usability, user experience (UX), accessibility, interaction design, user research methods, and the social implications of technology.

HCI prepares students to design, implement, and evaluate interactive systems that are not only functional but also consider human factors, ethical implications, and societal impact. Graduates with HCI expertise work in roles such as UX designers, interaction designers, usability engineers, and product managers across industries including software development, healthcare, education, entertainment, and public policy.

Knowledge Area (KA)	CS Core	KA Core
2.7.1 Understanding the User: Individual goals and interactions with others	2	5
2.7.2 Accountability and Responsibility in Design	2	2
2.7.3 Accessibility and Inclusive Design	2	2
2.7.4 Evaluating the Design	1	2
2.7.5 System Design	1	5
2.7.6 Society, Ethics, and the Profession	Elective

2.7.1. HCI/Understanding the User: Individual goals and interactions with others  (CS Core: 2 hrs, KA Core: 5 hrs) ↑ Back to top

Topics:
Core

• Human capabilities and limitations: perception, cognition, motor skills
• User characteristics: demographics, expertise, cultural background
• User goals, tasks, and contexts of use
• Social and organizational aspects of interaction
• Cognitive models and theories relevant to HCI
• Emotional and affective aspects of interaction
• User research methods: interviews, surveys, observations

Learning Outcomes:
Core:

1. Describe human capabilities and limitations that affect interaction design [Describe]
2. Analyze how user characteristics influence interaction with computing systems [Analyze]
3. Identify user goals and tasks in specific contexts of use [Analyze]
4. Explain social and organizational factors that impact technology adoption and use [Explain]
5. Apply cognitive models to predict and explain user behavior [Apply]
6. Consider emotional and affective factors in interaction design [Analyze]
7. Conduct user research using appropriate methods such as interviews or observations [Evaluate]

2.7.2. HCI/Accountability and Responsibility in Design  (CS Core: 2 hrs, KA Core: 2 hrs) ↑ Back to top

Topics:
Core

• Ethical considerations in HCI: fairness, transparency, accountability
• Design for values and value-sensitive design
• Responsible innovation and design ethics
• Algorithmic accountability and bias in interactive systems
• Professional responsibility in HCI practice
• Legal and regulatory considerations for interactive systems

Learning Outcomes:
Core:

1. Identify ethical issues in HCI design and implementation [Analyze]
2. Apply value-sensitive design approaches to technology development [Apply]
3. Discuss responsible innovation practices in HCI [Debate]
4. Analyze algorithmic accountability and bias in interactive systems [Analyze]
5. Describe professional responsibilities in HCI practice [Describe]
6. Explain legal and regulatory considerations relevant to interactive systems [Explain]

2.7.3. HCI/Accessibility and Inclusive Design  (CS Core: 2 hrs, KA Core: 2 hrs) ↑ Back to top

Topics:
Core

• Accessibility principles and guidelines
• Disabilities and assistive technologies
• Inclusive design and universal design principles
• Evaluation methods for accessibility
• Designing for diverse abilities and contexts
• Accessibility standards and compliance

Learning Outcomes:
Core:

1. Apply accessibility principles to interactive system design [Apply]
2. Describe how different disabilities affect interaction with technology [Describe]
3. Design inclusive systems using universal design principles [Design]
4. Conduct accessibility evaluations of interactive systems [Evaluate]
5. Create designs that accommodate diverse abilities and usage contexts [Create]
6. Ensure compliance with accessibility standards and regulations [Evaluate]

2.7.4. HCI/Evaluating the Design  (CS Core: 1 hr, KA Core: 2 hrs) ↑ Back to top

Topics:
Core

• Usability principles and heuristics
• Evaluation methods: heuristic evaluation, cognitive walkthrough
• User testing: planning, conducting, analyzing
• Advanced evaluation methods: controlled experiments, field studies
• UX metrics and measurement
• Analytical evaluation methods: modeling and simulation

Learning Outcomes:
Core:

1. Apply usability principles and heuristics to evaluate designs [Apply]
2. Conduct heuristic evaluations and cognitive walkthroughs [Evaluate]
3. Plan, conduct, and analyze user testing sessions [Plan]
4. Design and conduct controlled experiments for HCI research [Design]
5. Measure user experience using appropriate metrics [Evaluate]
6. Use analytical methods to model and predict user performance [Use]

2.7.5. HCI/System Design  (CS Core: 1 hr, KA Core: 5 hrs) ↑ Back to top

Topics:
Core

• Design process: user-centered design, iterative design
• Interaction design: concepts, principles, patterns
• Prototyping techniques: low-fidelity, high-fidelity, interactive
• Information architecture and navigation design
• Advanced interaction techniques: gesture, voice, multimodal
• Design for specific domains: mobile, web, ubiquitous computing
• Collaborative and social computing systems

Learning Outcomes:
Core:

1. Apply user-centered design processes to develop interactive systems [Apply]
2. Design interactions using established principles and patterns [Design]
3. Create prototypes at different fidelity levels for design exploration [Create]
4. Structure information and navigation for effective user interaction [Structure]
5. Implement advanced interaction techniques such as gesture or voice interfaces [Implement]
6. Design interactive systems for specific domains and platforms [Design]
7. Design collaborative systems that support group interaction [Design]

2.7.6. HCI/Society, Ethics, and the Profession ↑ Back to top

Topics:
Core

• Social impact of interactive technologies
• Ethical issues in HCI research and practice
• Professional practice in HCI
• Cultural and cross-cultural considerations in HCI
• Sustainability and HCI
• Future trends and challenges in HCI

Learning Outcomes:
Core:

1. Analyze the social impact of interactive technologies on individuals and society [Analyze]
2. Address ethical issues in HCI research and design projects [Evaluate]
3. Describe professional practices and career paths in HCI [Describe]
4. Design systems that account for cultural differences and contexts [Design]
5. Incorporate sustainability considerations into HCI design [Integrate]
6. Discuss emerging trends and future challenges in HCI [Debate]