Human-Computer Interface, Research Paper Example

Explain haptic feedback, describes its key uses, and explains why it is needed.

Hepatic feedback technologies or simply called “haptics” refers to the application of the ability to feel and convey information to a user in a user interface design. This technology makes use of the touch when applying vibration, forces, or motion to the end use r. Hepatic feedback technologies find its use in computer simulation with regard to the creation of virtual objects, control the same virtual objects, and in improving the distant control of devices and machines. In this regard, this technology has come out to be termed as “doing for the sense of touch what computer graphics does for vision.” Such is the case that haptic machines can contain tactile sensors t used to evaluate users forces exerted on the interface. Today, haptic technology has emerged to be helpful especially when considering its role in investigating how the human touch sense works (Human computer interface guide, 1993). This is achieved by creating haptic virtual objects that are carefully controlled. These objects serve to assist in the systematic probe of the human haptic capabilities that would otherwise prove difficult to attain. These study tools help to appreciate how touch and its fundamental brain functions operate.

Compare the various types of human memory and their impact on the human-computer interface.

Human computer interface shows some form of connection to the various types of human memory. Just like humans, computers have the haptic memory for touch, iconic memory for vision and echoic memory for sounds. These memories have been found to be constantly undergoing an overwriting process, which allows new information to enter. Information is transferred into Short-term memory as it ensues from the sensory memory by means of attention, shifting the stimuli to latest interest.

Short-term memory

Computer short-term memory (RAM) is closely related to the Human short-term memory (cerebrum). This memory stores information currently used and takes a short duration. Similar to the human short-term memory, the computer STM has limited capacity. Data stored in STM is easily lost just like t the way it is lost in computer RAM whenever power goes off.

Long-term memory

Human long-term memory (cerebellum) is an equivalent of the computer long-term memory (ROM). This memory has several features in computer just like in humans that make it different from STM. First, it possesses unlimited storage capacity. Secondly, it has slow access time and a slow forgetting period: in some cases, it does not forget at all.

Computer has two types of LTM: semantic and episodic memory. Episodic memory is an equivalent of human memory responsible for storing information on experiences and events in a sequential form. On the other hand, Semantic memory forms a structured record of concepts, skills and facts, which humans have grasped, resulting from the episodic memory. Another similarity existing between the two regards the three main activities involved. These are storage where rehearsal serves to transfer information from the Short Term Memory and store it in the Long Term Memory. The second activity is the possibility to forget through the two main processes namely interference and decay. Lastly, the retrieval activity, that comes in the form of either a recall or recognition.

Describe the potential outcomes of not using consistency in the human-computer interface.

Human-Computer Interface main focus on safety, entertainment, productivity and entertainment and thus should serve to satisfy human-computer activities. This is the case because its   application should be devoid of the limitation presented following computer systems variations. They may come in various forms such as nuclear processing, traffic control, computer gaming and office. HCI systems need to posses qualities that make it safe, easy, enjoyable and effective.

Consistency in human-computer interface is simply geared towards achieving two main goals like usability and good user experience. Therefore, its absence is likely to result in one of the following. First, it would jeopardize   any efforts made towards the creation of an efficient interaction design and operations that help produce certain computer system criteria. These include safety, efficiency learning/retention, and utility (Chen, 2001). Secondly, user experience will be compromised as resultant systems will lack some or most of the qualities that make it enjoyable satisfying, entertaining, helpful, aesthetic pleasing, motivating, and creativity supportive, fun rewarding and emotionally fulfilling.

In most cases, individuals would prefer buying devices that will maintain their relevancy in the present and future, a case, which makes the human-computer interface an area of concern. In this regard, human-computer interface designs currently should be flexible to the changes that are bound to take place in the future. For instance, the first machines that made use of the MS DOS program operated without using a mouse despite having provision for such an application. When Microsoft XP came on board, the machines simply embraced the change.

Summarize and explain the steps of the user-centric design process.

User-centric design process is composed of six systematic steps. The first one is market definition that serves the purpose of defining the intended audience and identifying competitors. It also determines the central user wishes and needs that must be satisfied in order to gain acceptance for the product. This step involves a move to requesting members of the target audience to rank their levels of interest regarding product enhancement or even a new product allowing possible users to list and further prioritize their needs. In addition, they will be required to identify present solutions they prefer and use.

Task analysis forms the second step, which seeks to Identify users’ tasks and goals, the, tools they used currently, strategies used to carry out  tasks, problems experienced, and the changes anticipated  as far as the to the tools and tasks are concerned. These steps will require a move to have the users list and prioritize work to be done and keeping a keen look as they complete their task.

Thirdly, the step of Competitive evaluation finds its use in determining the design weakness and weaknesses strength in the face of competition. This step will involve asking users to perform similar tasks while using varied products. This is closely followed   by assessment of individual overall satisfaction and listing of the products weakness and strength basing approximately on importance.

The fourth step involves the performance of Design and walk-through process. In this case, results from the task and competitive analyses are used to come up with other anticipated solutions. Design walk-through sessions with users are then conducted to ask for feedback prior to choosing a solution founded on user input (Galbraith, 2005). In this case, the main duty entails asking users to evaluate “lo-fi” prototypes like comprehensible sketches.

Evaluation and validation becomes the fifth step that involves periodical moves to solicit user feedback. This considers the evolving design and further iteration of the design considering the analysis of users’ experiences. Here, typical approaches incorporate observation of users completing main tasks when using a working prototype.

The last step is referred to as Benchmark assessment step. In this step, a head-to-head benchmark assessment in opposition to the competition is done to confirm that the product has achieved its main objectives. Typical methods involve asking users to perform similar tasks by using different products and evaluating their general fulfillment with each one. Following this, listing of weaknesses and strengths of products basing on their importance can be done.

Explain the role of human motion in the design of the human-computer interface.

The design of human-computer interface has been known to follow certain aspect of human motion. Such is the case that these motions provide data that can be directly employed to allow interaction. For instance, it serves as an input device like a pointer in case the position and movement of the user’s lower arm is correctly tracked. In addition, data picked from human motions when analyzed properly can be used to automated recognition and detection of user activity and behavior. The other role that human motions play in the design of human-computer interface permits the derivation of data regarding the emotional and cognitive status of a human body basing on information. Another promising application of human motion is the application of the user unique movement patterns for validation purposes. This application finds its use when looking at disambiguation and security issues between users in multi-user contexts.

References

Chen, Q. (2001). Human computer interaction issues and challenges. Hershey, PA: Idea Group Pub.

Galbraith, J. R. (2005). Designing the customer-centric organization: a guide to strategy, structure, and process. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass A Wiley Imprint.

Human computer interface guide (Revision A. ed.). (1993). Reston, Va.: National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Space Station Freedom Program Office

Shneiderman, B. (1998). Designing the user interface: strategies for effective human-computer-interaction (3rd ed.). Reading, Mass: Addison Wesley Longman