Tutorial 1

Introduction and Overview of Human-Computer Interaction

Keith A. Butler, Boeing Computer Services
Robert J. K. Jacob, Tufts University
Bonnie E. John, Carnegie Mellon University

Saturday Evening, May 6

Objective

This tutorial provides newcomers to human-computer interaction (HCI) with an introduction and overview of the field. The tutorial introduces basic concepts and provides enough structure to help participants understand how the advanced material in the CHI '95 technical program fits into the overall field. This overview will also make the conference more meaningful to first-time CHI participants.

Content

The material begins with a brief history and explanation of HCI. The main discussion addresses the field from three perspectives: what it takes to build usable systems, the psychology of the needed technology, and the computer science of the needed technology. Specific topics include psychologically-based data, design methods and tools, user interface media and tools, and introduction to user interface architecture. Each topic will cover research, technology under development, and current application. Sources for additional information are given, including relevant references to the CHI '95 program.

Audience

This introductory-level tutorial is intended for professionals in computer-related fields who have not yet had a systematic exposure to the discipline of HCI, typically first-time participants in the CHI conference. CHI professionals who wish to examine how their work relates to the field as a whole may also wish to attend.

Presentation

Lecture

Instructors

Keith A. Butler is a senior principal scientist for user- centered design in the Software Technology Program at Boeing Computer Services. He is one of the originating authors of usability engineering. Robert J. K. Jacob is on the faculty of the Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Department at Tufts University, where his research interests are user interface software and interaction techniques. Bonnie E. John is an assistant professor in Carnegie Mellon University's Computer Science Department, Psychology Department, and Human-Computer Interaction Institute. Her research develops "engineering models" of computer users and applies the models to the evaluation and design of computer systems.

Keith Instone / instone@acm.org / 95-01-05