Question

a) Write down the attributes of three computer hardware input devices. Discuss
the form of interaction each supports in a computer system.

b) With your knowledge in variations in physical abilities and physical workplaces,
what four practical guidelines would you adapt in your workplace? Explain the
reasons for your choice.

c) Explain the main concerns of Human Computer Interaction

Answer 1

a.An input device is a device that sends data to a computer and that allows you to interact and control it.The keyboards and mouse are the most common or most frequently used devices on a computer.Hardware input devices are important because they allow you to communicate with a computer and add new information. Hardware has the capability of converting the raw data into the format or language which is computer-readable and finally delivers the translated data to the central processing unit (CPU) for further processing.There are many hardware input device among those the three I would like to mention here are Keyboard,Mouse, Joystick.

Keyboard:It is one of the most commonly used input devices to enter data to the computer by pressing of keys. A keyboard can be connected to a computer either by USB(wired) or Bluetooth (wireless).As such there are no stated rules for defining the number of keys, but the keyboard of major companies available in the market has 104 keys that include alphabetic characters, numbers, arrows, and a set of function keys.
The difference also lies in its design and construction as some have mechanical keys while some use membrane keys.The laptop’s keyboard is smaller and also lighter than the desktop keyboard as the former is more compact than the later.Smartphones and tablets come with an inbuilt visual keyboard in their screen to enter data and commands.

Most of the keyboards in modern times have a QWERTY layout. Previously punch cards and paper tapes were used to transfer data on the computer.

Mouse:It is the simplest handheld device used to move a cursor or a pointer across the screen.Earlier the mouse used to have a rollerball integrated beneath the device for movement sensor but the modern mouse comes with optical technology (laser) that controls cursor movements by a visible or invisible light beam.The mouse is normally used on a flat surface and has two buttons – right and left and a scroll wheel in the center.
The left button is used to select or move the items while the right button is to show the menus. The scroll wheel is used to move the documents and web pages up and down.

Like a keyboard, mice also have either wired or wireless connectivity. The laptop computers come with a touchpad that works as a substitute for mouse and in smartphones and tablets, the user’s finger works as a mouse.Track Ball mouse is a still input device having a ball mechanism which can be easily rolled by fingers to move the cursor or pointer on the screen. It is ideal where the desk space is a constraint.

Joystick:It is a pointing device similar to a mouse. It has a handle with a spherical ball at upper and lower ends. The lower ball helps in its easy movement.The movement of the joystick controls the cursor or a pointer on the screen. It can move in all the four directions and enables the user to easily control the cursor movement.Therefore it is used mainly for playing games or computer-aided design.There are different types of joystick such as displacement joystick, finger-operated joysticks, isometric joystick, hand-operated joystick, etc.

b. To stay competitive, businesses today must change and conform to the latest standards on a nearly real-time basis. This calls for increased focus on developing and establishing the traits of flexibility and adaptability into all levels of the workforce hierarchy. And the below mentioned will be adapted by me at my workplace.

Think creatively:one should be encouraged to explore different avenues for fostering creativity and accomplishing work goals with a new mindset. Those who tend to stick to the same tried-and-true methods are likely to have decreased flexibility and will resist change.

Embrace ambiguity: It is key for companies to encourage an environment where change is embraced,even when ambiguity is involved. Traditionally, companies tend to cut down on innovation when uncertainty is present; instead it needs to be welcomed. A conscious effort should be made to maintain a positive mindset and to come up with new ways of seeing and doing things.

Exercise emotional intelligence: A much-discussed focus in self-management skills courses, particularly those offered in graduate business programs, emotional intelligence means controlling and filtering one's emotions in a constructive manner.This leads to easier adaptation when working with new teams and developing a better rapport with colleagues.

Shift focus: the ability to maintain or shift focus in accordance with an organisation's changing priorities is another critical skill that indicates higher levels of adaptability and flexibility in employees.

Those who maintain consistent focus on individual and team-based Operational goals - while using creative and critical thinking processes to solve challenges are critical in a dynamic environment.

c.HCI (human-computer interaction) is the study of how people interact with computers and to what extent computers are or are not developed for successful interaction with human beings.

As its name implies, HCI consists of three parts: the user, the computer itself, and the ways they work together.

User:By "user", we may mean an individual user, a group of users working together. An appreciation of the way people's sensory systems (sight, hearing, touch) relay information is vital. Also, different users form different conceptions or mental models about their interactions and have different ways of learning and keeping knowledge and. In addition, cultural and national differences play a part.

Computer:When we talk about the computer, we're referring to any technology ranging from desktop computers, to large scale computer systems. For example, if we were discussing the design of a Website, then the Website itself would be referred to as "the computer". Devices such as mobile phones or VCRs can also be considered to be “computers”.

Interaction:There are obvious differences between humans and machines. In spite of these, HCI attempts to ensure that they both get on with each other and interact successfully. In order to achieve a usable system, you need to apply what you know about humans and computers, and consult with likely users throughout the design process. In real systems, the schedule and the budget are important, and it is vital to find a balance between what would be ideal for the users and what is feasible in reality.

The concerns of HCI are to produce usable and safe systems, as well as functional systems. In order o produce computer systems with good usability, developers must attempt to:

understand the factors that determine how people use technology

develop tools and techniques to enable building suitable systems

achieve efficient, effective, and safe interaction

put people first

Underlying the whole theme of HCI is the belief that people using a computer system should come first. Their needs, capabilities and preferences for conducting various tasks should direct developers in the way that they design systems. People should not have to change the way that they use a system in order to fit in with it. Instead, the system should be designed to match their requirements.

Usability:Usability is one of the key concepts in HCI. It is concerned with making systems easy to learn and use. A usable system is:

easy to learn

easy to remember how to use

effective to use

efficient to use

safe to use

enjoyable to use

Why is usability important?

Many everyday systems and products seem to be designed with little regard to usability. This leads to frustration, wasted time and errors. This list contains examples of interactive products:

mobile phone, computer, personal organizer, remote control, soft drink machine, coffee machine, ATM, ticket machine, library information system, the web, photocopier, watch, printer, stereo, calculator, videogame etc¦.

How many are actually easy, effortless, and enjoyable to use?

For example, a photocopier might have buttons like these on its control panel.C Imagine that you just put your document into the photocopier and set the photocopier to make 15 copies, sorted and stapled. Then you push the big button with the "C" to start making your copies.

What do you think will happen?
(a) The photocopier makes the copies correctly.
(b) The photocopier settings are cleared and no copies are made.
If you selected (b) you are right! The "C" stands for clear, not copy. The copy button is actually the button on the left with the "line in a diamond" symbol. This symbol is widely used on photocopiers, but is of little help to someone who is unfamiliar with this.