Human Computer Interaction

Learning Resource Type

Classroom Resource

Subject Area

Digital Literacy and Computer Science

Grade(s)

9, 10, 11, 12

Overview

People often become frustrated with computers and other digital devices. At some point when using these devices, you are likely to become annoyed that the system did something you didn't want it to do, or you can't figure out how to get the computer to do what you want, but why is that? Humans made computers, so why are computers often so frustrating for humans to use?

Human-computer interaction (HCI) is about trying to make programs useful, usable, and accessible to humans. It goes way beyond choosing layouts, colors, and fonts for an interface. It's strongly influenced by the psychology of how people interact with digital devices, which means understanding many issues about how people behave, how they perceive things, and how they understand things so that they feel that a system is working to help them and not hinder them. By understanding HCI, developers are more likely to create software that is effective and popular. If you ask people if they have ever been frustrated using a computer system, you’ll probably get a clear message that HCI isn’t always done well.

This chapter explores user interfaces, usability, and overall user experience with technology. 

Digital Literacy and Computer Science (2018) Grade(s): 09-12

DLCS18.HS.5

Design and iteratively develop computational artifacts for practical intent, personal expression, or to address a societal issue by using current events.

UP:DLCS18.HS.5

Knowledge

Students know:
  • how to design and develop computational artifacts for practical intent.
  • how to design and develop computational artifacts for personal expression.
  • how to design and develop computational artifacts to address a societal issue by using current events.

Skills

Students are able to:
  • design and develop computational artifacts using an iterative design process.
  • use current events to bring merit to computational artifacts.

Understanding

Students understand that:
  • design should be an iterative process whereby the designer seeks feedback to improve upon his/her creation.
Digital Literacy and Computer Science (2018) Grade(s): 09-12

DLCS18.HS.10

Resolve or debug errors encountered during testing using iterative design process.

UP:DLCS18.HS.10

Vocabulary

  • debug

Knowledge

Students know:
  • steps of the problem solving process.
  • how to identify errors in an iterative design process.

Skills

Students are able to:
  • review a process and identify errors in procedure.
  • rectify errors found in a process.
  • test resolution to verify that the process now runs as intended.

Understanding

Students understand that:
  • errors in a process can prevent a solution.
  • resolving an error will allow the process to function as intended.
Digital Literacy and Computer Science (2018) Grade(s): 09-12

DLCS18.HS.38

Systematically design and develop programs for broad audiences by incorporating feedback from users.

UP:DLCS18.HS.38

Knowledge

Students know:
  • it is vital to seek feedback from others on programs and products.
  • feedback can help make a program or product better.

Skills

Students are able to:
  • design and develop a program.
  • publish a program, seeking feedback.
  • make edits to a program based upon user feedback.

Understanding

Students understand that:
  • when designing a program, it is important to receive input from your target audience to ensure your product meets their expectations or need.
Digital Literacy and Computer Science (2018) Grade(s): 09-12

DLCS18.HS.40

Use an iterative design process, including learning from mistakes, to gain a better understanding of a problem domain.

UP:DLCS18.HS.40

Knowledge

Students know:
  • that creating an artifact is an iterative process.
  • that feedback serves to make products better.
  • that mistakes are teaching tools that help determine how not to solve a problem.

Skills

Students are able to:
  • create and publish.
  • process constructive feedback.
  • persevere through mistakes.

Understanding

Students understand that:
  • creating an artifact is an iterative process.
  • feedback serves to make products better.
  • mistakes are teaching tools that help determine how not to solve a problem.

CR Resource Type

Lesson/Unit Plan

Resource Provider

CS Field Guide

License Type

Attribution Non-Commercial Share Alike
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