Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) is a multidisciplinary research area focused on the design, evaluation, and implementation of interactive computing systems that facilitate effective communication between humans and computers. The goal of HCI is to create systems that are intuitive, efficient, and user-friendly, ensuring that people can interact with technology in natural and seamless ways. This field draws from computer science, cognitive psychology, design, and human factors to study how users interact with various technologies, such as desktops, mobile devices, virtual reality systems, and emerging smart technologies.
Key research areas within HCI include user interface design, which focuses on creating visual and interactive elements that make systems easy to navigate; user experience (UX), which studies the overall satisfaction and engagement of users with technology; and interaction design, which investigates how to structure the interaction between users and digital systems for maximum usability. HCI research also explores emerging topics like wearable technologies, virtual and augmented reality, and gesture-based interactions. Ultimately, HCI aims to improve the relationship between humans and technology, making digital tools more accessible and aligned with human behavior and cognition.
Faculty
Andrew Head
