Human computer interface (HCI) in everyday life · Cambridge National IT

What HCI is

A human computer interface (HCI) is the way a person and a device communicate: how the person gives instructions, and how the device gives information back.
HCI is everywhere: domestic appliances (washing machines, smart speakers), entertainment (games consoles), shops (self-service checkouts, cash machines), education, healthcare, industry and transport (sat navs and car dashboards).

Graphical user interface (GUI): windows, icons, menus and a pointer. It is easy to learn, but uses more memory and processing power.
Command-line interface: the user types commands. It is fast and powerful for experts, but hard to learn.
Menu-driven interface: the user picks from lists of options, like a cash machine. It is simple, but can be slow if there are many levels.
Natural language (voice) interface: the user speaks, as with a smart speaker. It is hands-free, but may misunderstand accents or background noise.
Touch and gesture interfaces: touchscreens (tap, swipe, pinch) and motion sensors (waving, pointing).

Hardware: input devices (touchscreen, keyboard, microphone, camera, sensors), output devices (screen, speakers, haptic feedback such as vibration), and the size of the device.
Software: accessibility (text size, colour contrast, screen readers, subtitles), ease of use, a consistent layout, clear feedback and language options.

Think about the users (age, experience, abilities and disabilities), the environment (noisy, outdoors, bright light, moving), the task (does it need speed or accuracy?) and the cost.

HCI: Human computer interface: the way a person and a device communicate.
GUI: Graphical user interface, with windows, icons, menus and a pointer.
Command-line interface: An interface where the user types commands.
Menu-driven interface: An interface where the user chooses from lists of options.
Natural language interface: An interface the user controls by speaking normally.
Accessibility: Making technology usable by as many people as possible, including disabled people.
Haptic feedback: Vibration or movement that the user can feel.