HUMAN-COMPUTER INTERACTION - PSYCHOLOGY AS A SCIENCE OF DESIGN

Human-computer interaction (HCI) study is the region of intersection b etween psychology and the social sciences, on the one hand, and comput er science and technology, on the other. HCI researchers analyze and d esign specific user interface technologies (e.g. pointing devices). Th ey study and improve the processes of technology development (e.g. tas k analysis, design rationale). They develop and evaluate new applicati ons of technology (e.g. word processors, digital libraries). Throughou t the past two decades, HCI has progressively integrated its scientifi c concerns with the engineering goal of improving the usability of com puter systems and applications, which has resulted in a body of techni cal knowledge and methodology. HCI continues to provide a challenging test domain for applying and developing psychological and social theor y in the context of technology development and use.