The impact that Human Computer Interaction (HCI) has on Society, Economy and Culture
By Lewis Ward
What does HCI mean?
HCI stands for Human Computer Interaction, one of the main focuses within HCI is the way humans' use computers. Studies and research are undertaken to explore how people use and interact with computers and how new designs would effect users future interaction.Examples of HCI
There are many different interfaces and designs that allow people to interact with a computer, some of the more common/well known designs are:- Command line /Extended Command Line Editor (CLE)
- Windows, Icons, Menus and Pointers (WIMP)
- Graphical Users Interface (GUI)
- Web User Interface (WUI)
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Command Prompt (CLE) in Microsoft Windows |
The CLE was the only way that people could interact with a computer before the GUI was created. The user would need to enter a series of commands into the operating system and press the Return key. The computer would then complete the required task; whether it's creating, copying, deleting or renaming files. As the CLE was text based, users had to input all of the commands without any typing errors, as a result this made the CLE an unfriendly way to interact with the computer.
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| WIMP in Microsoft Windows |
WIMP is a graphical way to use a computer, by using Windows that display different Icons. The icon image changes depending on the file type (ie .docx or .pdf) or what program it will open when the icon is clicked on. Buttons are also represented by icons. Menus are also on the window, such as the 'File' menu, these give the user more options to do things like creating new folders. Everything within the window can be selected or opened by clicking with the mouse (Pointer). When compared to CLE interface, the WIMP is a lot more user friendly.
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| GUI in Microsoft Word 2010 |
The GUI makes use of graphics to aid the user when using the computer, these can be in the form of drop down menu's, ticking boxes or selecting/clicking on a button. GUI gives the user an easy way to access the features of a program, Microsoft Word relies on GUI a great deal for its toolbars and dialog boxes. GUI was designed to be used instead of the CLE as its easier to use and now almost all programs created uses a form of GUI.
Impact on Society
With the development of new HCI's, computers have become more accessible to people and so are being used more and more in everyday life. A large amount of the population own computers or have access to a computer to use for what ever purpose they need it for, whether that to word process documents, research material online, send emails. Computer chips are also used in a large range of electrical equipment for example domestic and industrial appliances from washing machines to microwaves to cook food where buttons and dials can be used as the interface. Many businesses, hospitals, researchers, creative industries (for example Movie, Games and TV companies) are just some of the people that depend upon computers.
By creating new ways for people to interact with computer easily and effectively, means that computers can be accessed by a larger range of people and could even be used in new ways. But also creating a new form of HCI, even if designed to be easier and more effective for human use, sometimes isn't picked up on quickly or sometimes avoided because it is designed to be used in a manner that some people find unusual or alien to them. That's why a lot of developers try to keep consistency in their HCI designs, so that people who have used one of their programs and then can open another one of their programs and feel more comfortable, as the menus, options, colours, fonts and the overall interface look similar to their other program.
Even domestic appliances make use of simple and well designed HCI's, as people normally understand how to use the appliance without even looking at the instruction manual before use. Not only do the domestic appliances use words to explain to the user what each button does but they can also use images, drawing or icons to inform the user about the function of each button. Using images can be more effective than using words, as images can be universally recognized, whereas words can only be understood by people who speak that language (for example the pause and play icons that have transfered from musical cassette players to computer software). Not only has the computer changed because of the developments in HCI, but almost everything that has a computer within it, from washing machines to microwaves to mobile phones.
Tailored interfaces have also been developed, in order to aid or enable users' with sight or speech impairments to use computers. Voice recognition software allows the user to speak, via a microphone to the computer in order to write text. The software takes what the user has said and then converts it into text on the screen, as if its being typed by the user. Although this software can aid those with visual impairments there can be some draw backs for the user, such as a delay between what has been said and the word being displayed on the screen or requiring the user 'train' the computer to accept their voice. Speech synthesis, similar to voice recognition, creates speech from word that the user has entered. An example of this would be the software that Stephen Hawking uses to interact with other people. The same method and artificial intelligence is also used within automated phone services, but instead of entering text the user is asked to press a different key in their phone. There are also interfaces that are designed that don't use voice recognition or speech synthesis, but make use of extra on screen help. For example, subtitles can be turned on for TV programs movies and even some web sites, to help users that have hearing impairments. Some interfaces have be specially design for users with sight impairments by making use of larger text or using colour that are not affected by people who are colour blind. Red-green combination is the most common form of colour blindness, so by using a red-blue or yellow-blue colour combination in the interface design would allow a lot of people who are colour blind not to miss information and find using the interface easier.
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| Bomb disposal robot http://www.army.mod.uk/images/central-panel/bomb-disposal-robot-410.jpg |
Although there relatively simple GUI's that are used every single day in businesses and at home, there are also some very complex HCI's. The fly-by-wire system can fitted to aircraft in order to replace human actions, sent from the aircraft's computer, like stabilizing the aircraft without the pilot's input. Some of the latest complexed HCI's track the users' physical movements, allowing the user to interact with the device using hand or other body movements. An example of this would be Microsoft's Xbox 360 Kinect, which allows the player (or players) to play games using the movement of their hands. This give players a more immersive gameplay, as it can simulate some games (like tennis, gold or other sports) better then the traditional controller can.
Impact on Culture
Because of technological developments, a greater number of people are able to work from home and are able to be more flexible with where they use their computer. Laptops, PDA's, mobile phones, mobile computing and other portable devices, have replaced (or used in conjunction) paper diaries and journals. Remote access to the Internet, home desktops and documents, such as word processing or spreadsheet files, have introduced people into mobile computing. As Internet access and speeds have increased, email has taken off which has mostly replaced letters and memos.
Laptops have becoming smaller, lighter, cheeper and more powerful over the years and has meant that they have become more common. They can be carried around with ease, this makes them an ideal for people who travel and still want to be able to access a computer or resources online. Not only are laptops being used for computing but also gaming and entertainment, particularly when traveling, but this has led to tablets (such as the iPad) which have started to replace laptops for portable gaming and entertainment.
The way in which people are now buying and listening to music has changed, buying a physical album is no longer the main way which people listen to their music (or at least in the UK). The main way that album's are now being bought is online and downloaded onto the persons computer, one example would be iTunes by Apple. As well as the change to downloading music, portable music players (like the MP3 or iPod) have been developed and are becoming more common; as they allow the user to listen to their music when on the move.
Games are becoming more complex and sophisticated and require more disc space to store the larger programs and require much more powerful hardware, in order to be played. Consoles where created into to run video games, these consoles allowed players to play games in their living rooms or any other room in their house. The current major released consoles are the Xbox 360 by Microsoft, Playstation 3 by Sony and Wii/WiiU by Nintendo. Just like all other HCI's, consoles have also changed developing new hardware to give players a different means of playing their games (like the Xbox 360 Kinect), they have also have incorporated online services like market places.
Although consoles are used to play games on, the PC is still widely used because of its customizability and power (as well as its use for general computing). Devices like tablets are also becoming very popular. Gaming has become a very large part of some peoples lives and has had impacts on certain areas of culture. For example, the gaming industry is the UKs' biggest entertainment sector overtaking both music and video (video historically being the biggest). Some companies have become large profitable business by providing games or store fronts to let gamers buy and download games straight onto their computer. Steam is a digital distribution service developed by Valve Corporation which is believed to have around 50-70% of the market share of video games digital distribution. Steam offers users (PC, Mac or Linux) games, related online media, non-game software (such as modeling software), communication services like in-game chat and voice calls, friend lists and groups. Steam also offers cloud saving of all the users games, allowing the user to access, download and play their games on any computer at any time. Large gaming leagues have been created, that whole tournaments and championships, such as MLG (Major Gaming League), which has lead to e-sports. A popular e-sport is StarCraft II (PC) which in 2012 saw 32 of the best players in the world go head to head. Other major e-sports are games include Dota 2, League of Legends and Call of Duty: Black Ops 2.
Game culture has sparked political debates, television programs, internet shows, promoting (such as use within trailers) music and even movies have been created based on video games. One of the most resent political debate asks 'Is there a link between violent video games and violent crime?' (as a result of the New Town school shooting in America), which has seen President Obama call for a $10 million research study into the potential link. There are also many arguments that claim that video games have other negative influence on gamers such as reduction in verbal and face-to-face communication, that it can lead to obesity and other health issues like become socially isolated. But with high access to the internet and communication software gamers can talk to their friends and others when playing games. Some console games even allow for split screen modes so multiple people can play on the same screen in the same room; so social isolation can be reduced. Some games are designed for educational purposes or for fitness, simulators are used to train people how to use things; like heavy mining equipment before letting them actually use one.
With the development of new HCIs', some working environments require less variety of work or skills. In some manufacturing companies use robots to construct cars (or other products that require large amount of assembling), as a result this has led to less specialized employees. This is known as deskilling. Automated systems can reduce the complexity of work, meaning the employees may feel that they are less valued and motivated. Some automated systems have replace human roles, this can be seen in large scale mass production lines. Because of the introduction of automated machinery, more people have found that they require less specialist skills, allowing the company to operate with lower costs. Some skills are in danger of dying out as machinery can preform these tasks with ease, skills like clothes production, furniture making or glassware. This has lead to a division between labour and technology which has resulted in a reduction of the scope of a persons' work.
Developing nations have seen big changes because of new technology. More call centre's are based overseas and more products are being produced aboard and imported into the UK, this has lead to an increase in job for those' living in developing counties. Although there maybe a increase in jobs, it doesn't always mean that the working conditions or the pay is good.
Laptops have becoming smaller, lighter, cheeper and more powerful over the years and has meant that they have become more common. They can be carried around with ease, this makes them an ideal for people who travel and still want to be able to access a computer or resources online. Not only are laptops being used for computing but also gaming and entertainment, particularly when traveling, but this has led to tablets (such as the iPad) which have started to replace laptops for portable gaming and entertainment.
The way in which people are now buying and listening to music has changed, buying a physical album is no longer the main way which people listen to their music (or at least in the UK). The main way that album's are now being bought is online and downloaded onto the persons computer, one example would be iTunes by Apple. As well as the change to downloading music, portable music players (like the MP3 or iPod) have been developed and are becoming more common; as they allow the user to listen to their music when on the move.
Games are becoming more complex and sophisticated and require more disc space to store the larger programs and require much more powerful hardware, in order to be played. Consoles where created into to run video games, these consoles allowed players to play games in their living rooms or any other room in their house. The current major released consoles are the Xbox 360 by Microsoft, Playstation 3 by Sony and Wii/WiiU by Nintendo. Just like all other HCI's, consoles have also changed developing new hardware to give players a different means of playing their games (like the Xbox 360 Kinect), they have also have incorporated online services like market places.
Game culture has sparked political debates, television programs, internet shows, promoting (such as use within trailers) music and even movies have been created based on video games. One of the most resent political debate asks 'Is there a link between violent video games and violent crime?' (as a result of the New Town school shooting in America), which has seen President Obama call for a $10 million research study into the potential link. There are also many arguments that claim that video games have other negative influence on gamers such as reduction in verbal and face-to-face communication, that it can lead to obesity and other health issues like become socially isolated. But with high access to the internet and communication software gamers can talk to their friends and others when playing games. Some console games even allow for split screen modes so multiple people can play on the same screen in the same room; so social isolation can be reduced. Some games are designed for educational purposes or for fitness, simulators are used to train people how to use things; like heavy mining equipment before letting them actually use one.
With the development of new HCIs', some working environments require less variety of work or skills. In some manufacturing companies use robots to construct cars (or other products that require large amount of assembling), as a result this has led to less specialized employees. This is known as deskilling. Automated systems can reduce the complexity of work, meaning the employees may feel that they are less valued and motivated. Some automated systems have replace human roles, this can be seen in large scale mass production lines. Because of the introduction of automated machinery, more people have found that they require less specialist skills, allowing the company to operate with lower costs. Some skills are in danger of dying out as machinery can preform these tasks with ease, skills like clothes production, furniture making or glassware. This has lead to a division between labour and technology which has resulted in a reduction of the scope of a persons' work.
Developing nations have seen big changes because of new technology. More call centre's are based overseas and more products are being produced aboard and imported into the UK, this has lead to an increase in job for those' living in developing counties. Although there maybe a increase in jobs, it doesn't always mean that the working conditions or the pay is good.
Impact of Economy
The way in which the economy operates is different because of the developments in computers and what they increasing have to offer. From online (e-commerce) shops to the fast Stock Exchange to robots producing products in factories.
Computers are able to increase a users productivity by allowing them to complete task quicker and more easily. Software can provide the user with tools to accelerate their work process, the Wizard is a good example of this. The Wizard allows the user to do complex task, quickly and reliably by following a series of simple steps, whether this is creating a database, collecting data from a spreadsheet to create a graph or installing programs. Because of the increase in users (looking for a simple way to use their device) and the number of professionals with the skills and knowledge to develop HCI's/interfaces, has lead to increased competitive cost, as it takes time to produce a effective user-friendly interface.
When a HCI is being developed, the developer needs to work out how to reduce the amount of user input that is required. To simplify the amount of effort and knowledge that the user needs to operate the HCI, by making features easier to access (ie less clicks or just one click) to maintain the users focus and a simple file system to find and open programs, reduces required user knowledge. Automation is becoming ever more common as users dont need as many skills to complete their work, but is also cheaper then having skilled employees to do the same roles or tasks.
Another form of automation that is widely used by organizations is computers that make judgments of outputs. For example, having scales to measure specific quantities of goods (ie food, ores or materials) and once that weight has been met, the items are passed on to be batched together; this allows for more accurate measuring (removes human error). The same method can be seen when a customer has a selected colour that they wish for paint, the paint producer has the technology to make paint the that exact colour meeting the customers demands.
Voice input is a way the businesses can reduce costs, as it provides them with a way to reduce the role of call centre's and allows them to bring their customers into the process. The automated service requests that the customer (who phoned) to enter the required information, which its stores straight into a computer or database.
Some HCI's have been designed to allow the user to input via their thoughts, this has a range of possible uses. From games that require the player to interact with the virtual world by thinking about what they are doing or want to do, to allowing people (who are unable to communicate with others as they cant speak or gesture) to communicate though a computer.
The work place is an ever-changing environment due to new technology and equipment becoming available. Until very recently people had to go to work and most of the tasks they did was without the aid of computers Now the availability of remote access allowing them to work from home or off site. Wireless Internet connection, mobile phones, laptops and PDAs' have allow many people to work from almost any location in the world, rather then them going to the office.
The potential future impacts of HCI development
A new form of HCI that is currently being developed is holographic technology. Holographic is currently used for several different applications such as art, data storage and security, but the latest developments in this technology is to make holographic televisions and laptops. TV makers are trying to create a 3D TV that doesn't require the user to wear glasses, as some feel that glasses are putting lots of people off 3D TV's. Creating a 3D image that is designed to allow the users eye's to focus on the image, rather then the screen, can create more depth but also eliminate eye strain. The images are projected into a space in front of the user, allowing for full 3D without glasses being viewed from any angle.
Such developments could lead to fully 3D image projections which allows the user to interact with it. For example, instead of having a presentation on one side of a room, which means that people have to turn to see it, having the presentation in the middle of the room with everyone sat around it; for certain industries this sort of technology could be ideal. Imagine if an architect was to show a 3D design of a building, instead of having a short film or animation of the building, the architect could just rotate it projected image. Or be able to pull or add extra parts to the design, or be able to break down the building (for example remove the roof or whole floors) in order to show the viewers the inside. This could mean that interactive visual 3D blueprints or designs could me made, or even become part of the overall design process.
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| Ironman 2 http://blog.lib.umn.edu/disloc/dislocatemagazine/jm/ironman2computer.jpg |
Holograms could even been integrated with artificial intelligence (AI), this could take on many roles from being placed at places of interest to give out information (like a tour guide) to a receptionist at a hotel. Although it could be a effective way for to businesses to reduce costs and give a more of a human feel (ie receptionist) then a computer screen, if would still feel inhuman to customers. So this sort of potential HCI could be more effective in roles either there is little human or no human contact at all. For example, if a customer in a hotel calls for some sort of room service instead of calling reception, only human contact being over the phone, the customer could call for the holographic AI. The customer could then ask for whatever service they require, such as asking for food to be brought to the room, then the order can be placed and a member of staff could take the food to the room. The holographic AI could even take control of other roles too, instead of having lots of brochures in the hotel reception, it could become an interface for the customer (in their room) to find electronic brochures or access the internet to find local areas of interest.
This sort of HCI would have impacts on the economy, from homeowners to companies. If people want to watch 3D movies or programs without the need of 3D glasses, or find that they get eye strain from 3D as their eyes are focusing on the screen. Manufacturing or design organizations may become interested in this new form of HCI, as they could create visual design straight away rather then designing concepts (on paper) and then producing 3D renders or models of the product after picking the design they like. The internet shopping culture may change as a result of new developments in holographic devices Users may be able to preview an item or product (like a bag) by having a projection of it displayed in front of them before buying it. This could be a device the is plugged into the computer and when the user previews the item the hologram is created, so they can get a true idea of its size, look, colour, this could even become interactive allowing the person to perform certain actions (like opening the bag to see its internal layout etc.).
Other impacts this could have are things like how products are advertised within society, supermarkets may replace cardboard cutouts with holograms that could take the appearance of an image or animation.
Sources used:
- Karen Anderson, David Atkinson-Beaumont, Allen Kaye, Jenny Lawson, Richard McGill, Jenny Phillips, Daniel Richardson. Information Technology Level 3 (Book 2). Heinemann (behalf of edexcel). ISBN 978 1 846909 29 0.
