✨ UCSC HCI/UX Syllabus Notes ✨
Distinguish between UX Design and HCI
Theory
Both UX Design and HCI are related to designing interactive systems, but they focus on different areas.
What is HCI?
Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) is the scientific study of how people interact with computers. It combines Computer Science, Psychology, Design, and Ergonomics.
Main Goal:
- Improve usability & efficiency
- Reduce user errors
- Make systems easy to learn
What is UX Design?
User Experience (UX) Design is the process of creating products that provide meaningful, enjoyable, and satisfying experiences to users, focusing on emotions and satisfaction.
Differences
| HCI | UX Design |
|---|---|
| Academic discipline | Practical design process |
| Studies interaction between humans & computers | Designs better user experiences |
| Research-based | Product-oriented |
| Focuses on usability and interaction | Focuses on emotions, satisfaction, branding |
| Includes evaluation and experiments | Includes wireframes, prototypes, testing |
Exam Answer Summary
HCI is an academic field studying human-computer interaction to improve usability and safety. UX Design focuses on designing products that provide enjoyable experiences. Difference: HCI explains how people interact, while UX applies this to create products users enjoy using.
Double Diamond Model
Theory
Introduced by the UK Design Council, it divides the design process into four stages. The first diamond represents understanding the problem; the second represents finding the best solution.
Stage 1 – Discover
Research stage. Collect info via interviews, surveys, observations. Goal: Understand users & identify problems.
Stage 2 – Define
Analyze info to identify the real problem. Goal: Create a clear problem statement.
Stage 3 – Develop
Generate solutions via brainstorming, sketching, wireframes. Goal: Find the best possible solution.
Stage 4 – Deliver
Test with users, improve based on feedback, launch final product. Goal: Deliver an effective system.
Application Example (Public Transport App)
- Discover: Interview commuters. Problem: Bus delays, no live tracking.
- Define: Users cannot know when buses arrive.
- Develop: Ideas: GPS tracking, live notifications. Create prototype.
- Deliver: Test with users, fix problems, release app.
Mental Model vs Conceptual Model
Theory
Mental Model: The understanding users develop in their minds about how a system works, based on previous experience and expectations.
Conceptual Model: The model created by designers to explain how the system actually works, shown through UI elements (buttons, icons, menus).
Difference
| Mental Model | Conceptual Model |
|---|---|
| Inside user's mind | Created by designer |
| Based on experience | Based on system design |
| May be incorrect | Should represent actual system |
Strategy to Align Both Models
1. Use Familiar Metaphors: Use objects users already know (Shopping Cart, Trash Bin, Home icon).
2. Progressive Disclosure: Show instructions gradually (e.g., Tooltips explaining buttons) to help users learn naturally.
WIMP Interface
Theory
WIMP stands for:
- W – Windows: Rectangular area where apps run (e.g., MS Word).
- I – Icons: Small graphical symbols for files/commands (e.g., Recycle Bin).
- M – Menus: Lists of commands (e.g., File, Edit, View).
- P – Pointer: Mouse cursor for selecting objects.
Simple Sketch
-------------------------------------------------
| File Edit Help |
-------------------------------------------------
Software Installation Wizard
[✓] Install for all users
< Back Next > Cancel
^
Mouse Pointer
Labels: ✔ Window | ✔ Menu | ✔ Icons/Buttons | ✔ Pointer
Personas
Theory
A Persona is a fictional character created using real user research to help designers understand different user groups. Includes: Name, Age, Goals, Background, Challenges, Design Needs.
Sarah (42, Teacher)
- Goal: Complete diploma. Studies at night.
- Challenges: Slow internet, prefers videos.
- Design Needs: Downloadable videos, offline learning, less text.
Scenario: Downloads lecture videos to watch offline in the evening.
Jamal (Undergraduate, Rural)
- Goal: Complete university work via mobile.
- Challenges: Low data, visually impaired.
- Design Needs: Screen reader support, accessible UI, low bandwidth.
Scenario: Uses mobile screen reader to listen to course materials.
Interaction Analysis
Theory
Studies how users behave while interacting with systems. Three categories:
1. Verbal Behaviour
Communication using speech/language (e.g., Asking questions). Scenario: Guard directs user; User selects "Withdrawal."
2. Non-Verbal Behaviour
Communication without words (e.g., Facial expressions, hesitation). Scenario: User appears confused and looks nervous.
3. Interaction with Artifacts
Interaction with physical/digital objects (e.g., Touchscreen, ATM). Scenario: Presses Start button; Watches display board.
UX Evaluation
- Obs 1: User looks confused. Problem: No guidance. Fix: Provide signs/instructions.
- Obs 2: User hesitates. Problem: Poor interface guidance. Fix: Show welcome instructions.
- Obs 3: English menu only. Problem: Language barrier. Fix: Provide Sinhala, Tamil, English.
- Obs 4: Misses token number. Problem: Visual notification only. Fix: Add audio alerts & flashing displays.
How to Score High in HCI/UX Papers
- Start each answer with a clear definition.
- Explain the theory in 2–4 sentences.
- Include key goals or characteristics.
- Add a real-world example.
- For comparison questions, use a table.
- For design questions, explain why the method improves usability.
- For scenario questions, relate your answer directly to the given scenario.
This approach helps you earn both knowledge marks (definitions/theory) and application marks (examples/analysis).
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