Unit 23- Human Computer Interaction
Developments in HCI over the past 20 years have had a big impact on the
economy, along with our society and culture. Below are examples of how HCI
has impacted on these three areas, both positive and negative.
Impacts on Society
Improvements in HCI has given it more of a use in society, as it has been made
easier for individuals to use technical systems. Before the invention and
creation of GUIs, users of a computer system had to have knowledge of
programming and specific codes in order for the computer to complete a task
given to them. Now, with the use of an interface that everyone can
understand, anyone can know how to use a computer and not have to have
excessive knowledge. By using GUI and new methods for computer systems,
usability has been improved for people with small amounts of knowledge can
use the systems.
Everyday appliances such as microwave ovens also are easy to use, and often
have an instruction booklet, either as a hard copy or online- however, as
symbols are sometimes used, there is no need for an instruction booklet.
These symbols can be used so that all users, no matter who they are can use
the appliance.
Specialised software has also been created, which can enable the use of
technology by people who have some form of a disability. For example, text-
to-speech software has been developed, where the piece of text that is on the
screen is read out to the user- this is useful to people who have a visual
impairment. The reverse of this has also been created, speech-to-text, where
the user speaks clearly into a microphone and the software on the computers
translates what was said into a piece of text on the screen so individuals with a
hearing impairment can communicate with others. People who have a hearing
impairment can also use the subtitles option when watching DVDs or the audio
commentary for someone with a sight problem, which describes what is
happening on screen.
Languages have also been translated easier, enabling a wider range of
communication between different cultures and ethnic groups. One program
called Duolingo offers 16 different languages to be learnt from the app,
therefore enabling a wider range of communicating with people who speak
different languages, and come from different cultures.
Developments in HCI over the past 20 years have had a big impact on the
economy, along with our society and culture. Below are examples of how HCI
has impacted on these three areas, both positive and negative.
Impacts on Society
Improvements in HCI has given it more of a use in society, as it has been made
easier for individuals to use technical systems. Before the invention and
creation of GUIs, users of a computer system had to have knowledge of
programming and specific codes in order for the computer to complete a task
given to them. Now, with the use of an interface that everyone can
understand, anyone can know how to use a computer and not have to have
excessive knowledge. By using GUI and new methods for computer systems,
usability has been improved for people with small amounts of knowledge can
use the systems.
Everyday appliances such as microwave ovens also are easy to use, and often
have an instruction booklet, either as a hard copy or online- however, as
symbols are sometimes used, there is no need for an instruction booklet.
These symbols can be used so that all users, no matter who they are can use
the appliance.
Specialised software has also been created, which can enable the use of
technology by people who have some form of a disability. For example, text-
to-speech software has been developed, where the piece of text that is on the
screen is read out to the user- this is useful to people who have a visual
impairment. The reverse of this has also been created, speech-to-text, where
the user speaks clearly into a microphone and the software on the computers
translates what was said into a piece of text on the screen so individuals with a
hearing impairment can communicate with others. People who have a hearing
impairment can also use the subtitles option when watching DVDs or the audio
commentary for someone with a sight problem, which describes what is
happening on screen.
Languages have also been translated easier, enabling a wider range of
communication between different cultures and ethnic groups. One program
called Duolingo offers 16 different languages to be learnt from the app,
therefore enabling a wider range of communicating with people who speak
different languages, and come from different cultures.
