Human-Computer Interaction & (not vs.) User Experience Design
Why HCI vs UX?
The relationship between humans and computers has become increasingly intertwined in the rapidly changing technological landscape. As we communicate with different advanced stages and gadgets, two key disciplines have emerged to guarantee optimal user engagement: Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and User Experience Design (UXD).
It’s good to know some history :)
The term “human-computer interaction” (HCI) was first used in the 1980s by Stuart K. Card, Allen Newell, and Thomas P. Moran in their book “The Psychology of Human-Computer Interaction.” The term has been around since computers were first made. Individuals frequently will generally trade the terms HCI with UXD while, in all actuality, they are not equivalent however are unquestionably between related.
It is essential to have an understanding of the similarities and differences that exist between HCI and UXD in order to construct digital interfaces that are user-friendly and seamless.
The HCI Space
In this HCI space, the overarching subject is Human Factors Engineering (HFE). HFE has subjects under its scope such as Industrial Design, Human-Computer Interaction and Product Design. And, HCI has three more subsets as UI, UX and Interaction.
HCI and UX in a nutshell
Human’s aim is to complete the task.
Humans interacting with task with computers in middle is HCI.
UX in simple words, is the gap between a user’s expectations and their real outcomes. — UX Planet
In HCI, designers have to take into concern every part of the human, from the way they perceive with the 5 senses and interact with their world to the long history of using computers and technology. Everything, almost everything around is a computer. With mobile devices and augmented reality, virtual reality, HCI is almost literally everything.
- HCI primarily focuses on the study and design of the interaction between humans and computers. It looks at how people interact with technology and aims to make these interactions more usable and efficient.
- The fields of computer science, cognitive psychology, user behavior patterns, mental models, cognitive loads, and the technical aspects of system’s design are all included in HCI. Its primary objective is to design user interfaces that are enjoyable and simple to understand.
- UXD takes into account the entire user journey, including the pre- and post-interaction phases, whereas HCI focuses on the interaction itself.
- It emphasizes the emotional and psychological aspects of the user’s experience, aiming to create meaningful and delightful interactions.
- UXD integrates elements of visual design, information architecture, interaction design, and usability to create cohesive and engaging experiences.
- It involves understanding user motivations, goals, and contexts to craft experiences that are intuitive, enjoyable, and aligned with user expectations.
- UX designers conduct user research, create personas, develop wireframes and prototypes, and conduct iterative testing to ensure the product meets user needs and exceeds their expectations.
- Designers use the insights gained from user research to guide their design decisions by incorporating HCI principles into UXD. Creating user interfaces that are in line with users’ mental models and reduce cognitive load requires an understanding of user behaviour and cognitive processes.
Even though HCI and UXD focus on different things, they are interlinked and work well together. As a matter of fact, HCI is viewed as the ancestor of UX design. The data that is accumulated by HCI specialists is utilized to continually refine the universe of UX design.
The objective of optimizing the user experience with technology is shared by both fields. They want to make interfaces that are easy to use and fun, reduce friction, and make complicated tasks simpler.
Conclusion
User Experience Design and Human-Computer Interaction are two complementary fields that collaborate to produce seamless digital experiences. UXD takes a broader perspective, considering the entire user journey and striving to create emotionally satisfying experiences, in contrast to HCI, which places an emphasis on the interaction itself and the usability of interfaces.
