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

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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

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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

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  • Improved lighting
  • Furniture better suited

Why is this important?

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  • 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

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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.