Human-Computer Interaction: What a Bore 

HCI: Defined, I think

I do not know what to make of this topic. This is possibly my least interesting subject during the semester to discuss. It takes on a completely different context from what the semester has been about, but I do understand the connection. As this blog is the last one, I will attempt to make sense of what I’ve read and hopefully make it to 300 words. First, for my own benefit, I will define and try to keep in mind the definition of human-computer interaction. Here it goes: Human-computer interaction is the study of how people and computers work together and influence one another. The foundation of the study is to research how people interact with their devices to make the useability effective and efficient.  

HCI: Its Connection to Digital Rhetoric 

Now that I have explained, mainly to myself, I will discuss the points that I found some interest in. Eyman mentions that human-computer interaction and digital rhetoric’s key component is the interface. He suggests that that interface design is not neutral. It frames choices, directs attention and influences interaction, thus making interface a rhetorical trade-off. HCI focuses on building functional and useful systems while digital rhetoric calls attention to how these systems communicate. This connection shapes how users behave and understand the devices they are interacting with.  

Human-Computer Interaction: Interfaces and Efficiency 

Eyman argues that digital rhetoric offers a focus on meaning-making, communication and persuasion, an aspect that HCI falls short in by focusing on efficient design, tools, systems and interfaces. In short, making a system easy to use does not guarantee it serves its users well. By studying from a rhetorical perspective, analysis can show how interfaces reveal assumptions regarding user behavior and identity. Eyman believes that by studying the rhetorical function of technology, those who participate in human-computer interaction can create more ethically and culturally responsive design. 

That’s all I have. I’ve made my word quota.  

Related posts:

Technology as Conversation Digital Rhetoric and Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) Human-Computer Interaction Digital Rhetoric as it Relates to HCI and Critical Code Studies