What Is Human-Computer Interaction and How Does It Work?

Human-computer interaction (HCI) combines computer science, psychology, and design, with a focus on user experience. By understanding how people interact with computers, designers, and developers can enhance technology adoption and improve user engagement. 

The future of human-computer interaction appears to be bright, with human and machine interactions set to incorporate new and emerging technologies. For example, you might see a growing use of gesture recognition technology, which allows machines to interpret human motion.

While anticipating its future uses, it’s essential to understand the components of HCI and everything involved. Discover that and more below, including its history, why human-computer interaction matters, and contemporary HCI examples.

What is human-computer interaction?

Human-computer interaction (HCI) combines elements of communication theory, graphic and industrial design, social sciences, and cognitive psychology with computer sciences to focus on user satisfaction with technology. Human-centered computing aims to empower users and make technology both usable and relevant.

When you work in HCI, you aim to understand how people think and what they do, as well as how that impacts their interactions with technology. For example, someone taking an HCI approach to developing an app to help teachers take attendance would need to consider what will work best for that specific environment. Everything from choosing the app’s colors to methods for finding learner names and submitting the attendance report deserves consideration. Developers typically prioritize user-friendliness, functionality, safety, and security to create the best user experience possible. 

Is HCI the same as HMI?

It’s important to note that people can commonly confuse an HCI with a human-machine interface (HMI). An HMI allows users to control a single machine. For example, in manufacturing, an HMI acts as a control panel for workers to give instructions to cut and press machinery. 

In some cases, an HMI might be a panel with buttons and knobs, while in other instances, the HMI includes a graphical user interface for the operator to interact with. The HMI software communicates with the programmable logic controller of the machine to take the requested action. This differs from an HCI, in which the user interacts directly with a computer in an open-ended way. 

History of human-computer interaction

In the 1970s, the emergence of the personal computer changed the perspective on the user interface with machines. In the early 1980s, the field of human-computer interaction developed in response to the need to facilitate people's interactions with computers.  

HCI began by focusing on making personal computing more accessible and user-friendly. However, the rise of new technologies broadened the focus to include the Internet, social media, mobile devices, virtual reality, and much more.

Key components of human-computer interaction 

Human-computer interaction considers how the user interacts with the technology and how they work together. To fully understand it, you’ll need to consider four key components.

1. The user

The user is the human at the heart of the people-centered interaction. Ultimately, human factors must be considered in technology design, development, testing, and implementation. This can include ease of use, ergonomics, and how the user will think and react when interacting with that technology in their environment.

At a more theoretical level, HCI considers an individual’s cognitive (sight, touch, hearing, voice, and spatial), connotative (e.g., perceived), affective (e.g., attitudes, feelings), and behavioral (e.g., desire for attention or power) needs, as well as social and cultural contexts. 

2. The goal-oriented task

When you use technology, you have some goals in mind. Whether you need to create a document for a project, research a topic for school or work, or just enjoy playing a video game, you have some reason for interacting with a computer. Human-computer interaction designers think about how to make your goal easier to achieve, efficiently, and safely. This requires them to consider task complexity, the user’s intention, the user’s skill level with technology, and the amount of time a given task will take.

3. The tools and interface

How the user completes a task also matters, specifically regarding what interface they use. In this case, the HCI considers factors such as:

• Screen resolution

• Display size

• Color contrast

Human-computer interaction has value for many reasons. As computers gained popularity and grew less expensive, more people used them. Paying attention to HCI, though, makes using technology more straightforward and efficient for all users.  

At the same time, HCI enables universal access. HCI plays a role as our society prioritizes diversity, equity, and inclusion. For instance, new advancements in how people interact with technology can make computers accessible to people with disabilities. Consider the advantages offered by voice control for people who may have difficulty manipulating a mouse or working with a keyboard.

Today, human-computing interaction studies stretch well beyond the personal computer. As technology has evolved, so HCI has matured, too. This work includes:

• Artificial intelligence and machine learning systems

• Social media privacy design

• Virtualization systems

• Technology resistance

Human-computer interactions examples

Human-computing interactions encourage human-like interactions with technology. You can find examples of human-computer interactions in various disciplines with a wide range of applications, such as:

• Self-checkout: Self-service checkouts in a grocery store are HCI technology that helps people avoid lines (and having unwanted interactions with store clerks if necessary).

• Virtual and augmented reality: Virtual reality immerses users in realistic scenarios, which can simplify training scenarios and accommodate users with different needs.

• Voice search: Voice search is a human-computer interaction that allows users to speak commands instead of having to click buttons or type in commands. This can improve productivity and streamline multitasking.

• Targeted engagement: HCI research can help marketers ensure a company’s website or advertisements encourage customer purchases and engagement.

• Customized data: Considering HCI, data scientists may develop customizable dashboards to help people analyze and report on their specific data.

Learn more about human-computer interaction with Coursera

An HCI helps to provide insights into people’s behaviors, motivations, and goals, enabling the development of tools that can assist them effectively. Human-computer interaction keeps the user front and center. Instead of focusing on solutions the business wants to sell, it's about building tools people want to use.

Learn how human-computer interaction works and how to play a role in this exciting field. Start with an introduction to Human-Centered Design with UC San Diego on Coursera. In addition, the University of Michigan’s Understanding User Needs course also focuses on how to understand what users need and do.