AQA Information and Communication Technology/ICT5/Human-Computer Interaction

Human-Computer interaction is concerned with the design, evaluation and implementation of interactive computer systems, using Human-Computer interfaces in the safest and most healthy way.

Ergonomics
Ergonomics are the designs and functionality of the environment. Applying this would be a study of the environment to see how improvement can be made more comfortable for the users.

Measures to improve the ergonomics include

 * Improved lighting
 * Furniture better suited

Why is this important?

 * Could improve productivity
 * Prevent RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury).
 * With adjustable chairs and furniture in the right positions, could be prevented.
 * Energy Efficiency
 * Improve Job satisfaction (motivates)

Psychological Factors
The understanding of how users receive, process and store information.

Information can be received by 4 main ways:
 * Vision (seeing)
 * Distinguishing colours can effect how a person reacts to a situation (Red means Warning or Danger). This shouldn't be relied on because of colour blindness.
 * Hearing
 * Most commonly sounds are used in warning messages - the Dong in Windows. This is standard and therefore the user knows straight away that it is a warning.
 * Touch
 * Human nature wants something to ensure a button has been pressed - buttons allow that pressure to be enforced.
 * Movement
 * The movement of small objects is understandably difficult.