Theory in HCI

Question 1

What does a design process look like?

Answer 1

It is iterative, with phases that are divergent (creative exploration) and convergent (selection and evaluation)

Question 2

In which phases of a design process can HCI theories be applied?

Answer 2

Both divergent and convergent phases. They can be used for invention in divergent phases and critiquing in convergent phases

Question 3

Explain Gestalt Theory of perceptual organisation

Answer 3

Made up of principles of human perception that describe how humans group similar elements, recognise patterns and simplify complex images when we perceive objects

Question 4

Describe the first wave of HCI

Answer 4

Theories were adapted from fields such as cognitive science. The primary design goal is efficiency (speed and accuracy) for a human operator to achieve well-defined tasks.

Question 5

Give an example of an interface that corresponds to first wave HCI

Answer 5

A control panel with fixed switches and dials

Question 6

Describe the second wave of HCI

Answer 6

Theories were adopted from social science fields such as sociology. Recognised that computers were only one part of a social system. System design needs to take account of other sources of information such as conversations, paper, physical environment

Question 7

Give an example of an interface that corresponds to second wave HCI

Answer 7

Large open office space with paper notes fixed to walls and noticeboards, and other devices that have been designed for collaborative work

Question 8

Which research methods are used to research second wave HCI?

Answer 8

Ethnography (including Contextual Inquiry)

Question 9

Give 2 parts of the design process for second wave HCI

Answer 9

1. Prototyping
2. Participatory design workshops
   These would be used in a divergent phase

Question 10

Describe the third wave of HCI

Answer 10

Theories were adapted from fields relating to culture such as art and cultural studies. User interfaces became part of culture, with software application design increasingly concerned with user experience. Design criteria relate not to efficiency, but to how interesting or thoughtful the interaction will be

Question 11

Give an example of an interface that corresponds to third wave HCI

Answer 11

A mental health application