Human Computer Interface

Introduction

In today's rapidly evolving technological landscape, the computer has undeniably revolutionized nearly every facet of human activity. As noted by Dix (2009), computer technology has fundamentally transformed sectors such as industry, communication, transportation, agriculture, medicine, education, and security, among others. This broad adoption of information and communication technologies (ICT) highlights their crucial role in contemporary life. The proliferation of new technologies, including virtual communication tools like smartphones, personal computers, and tablets, has significantly altered our daily habits, behaviors, and performance.

Presently, digital devices pervade almost every aspect of our lives, designed to simplify tasks and enhance human well-being (Rosson & Carroll, 2002).

This widespread automation of activities and production processes has become integral to socioeconomic and industrial sectors, cementing its importance in human existence. For instance, in today's world, securing one's home or property no longer necessitates hiring a security guard. Instead, advanced computer software and CCTV cameras, which often outperform human accuracy, can be employed to detect and alert users to intrusions. Additionally, social media platforms like Skype, Twitter, Facebook, and WhatsApp facilitate real-time global interactions, transforming the world into a "global village" (Dix, 2009).

Despite these advancements, numerous organizations and stakeholders have identified challenges related to user-friendliness and ease of use. Consequently, the effectiveness, efficiency, and safety of modern technologies hinge on the degree of usability and the quality of human-computer interaction (HCI) integrated into these systems.

Problem Statement

In our modern society, the utilization of technologies such as social media, computers, and communication devices is indispensable. Students, businesses, and organizations have experienced increased profits, improved marketing strategies, and enhanced client engagement thanks to social media networks. However, some users and organizations have faced losses and diminished performance due to intensified competition and neglecting the critical aspects of usability and HCI. This essay aims to explore the usability concepts of HCI to understand the adverse effects of computer and internet networks on consumers' socioeconomic and psychological well-being. It further seeks to elucidate the most effective, efficient, safe, and appealing computer usability and HCI practices and their impact on attracting customers to computerized processes (Rosson & Carroll, 2002).

Research Questions

This exploration endeavors to address the following research questions:

1. How does the current lack of usability and HCI in social media networks negatively impact Saudi Arabian students living in the U.S.?
2. What role does the Fear of Missing Out (FoMO) play in the negative effects of social media on Saudi student scholars?
3. Is there a correlation between FoMO and HCI?
4. What are some effective strategies for enhancing usability and HCI?

Literature Review

Usability in Human-Computer Interaction

Usability, at its core, refers to the ease with which a human-made device or object, such as a tool or software, can be used to achieve specific objectives with effectiveness, efficiency, and satisfaction (Rosson & Carroll, 2002). In software engineering, usability is critical for ensuring that software meets user needs in a particular environment. The object of use can range from websites and software to processes and tools, all of which require user interaction.

Sharp, Rogers, and Preece (2007) emphasize that usability and HCI are fundamental to system development, improving user satisfaction and system functionality. HCI aids designers, users, and analysts in identifying system requirements, such as font styles, color schemes, and layout (Karat et al., 2005). Usability ensures that systems are effective, efficient, safe, easy to learn and remember, and provide user satisfaction (Dix, 2009).

Integrating HCI concepts into system development, such as sustainable design, is crucial for achieving user goals (Dix, 2009). Manufacturers and designers must embrace these concepts to enhance technology performance and user acceptance (Rosson & Carroll, 2002). According to Jacob and Karn (2003), commercial websites with efficient HCI are more likely to be profitable and user-friendly. HCI involves creating and understanding technologies people use daily, encompassing usability concepts, methods, and tools for encouraging use, achieving goals, and evaluation.

Usability and profitability are interconnected, as companies must understand user requirements in the early design stages and evaluate existing systems. Rosson and Carroll (2002) discuss methodologies addressing concerns like typography, design, navigation, sound, and multimedia. While these methodologies are essential, they are not exhaustive, as they don't provide a complete approach to HCI usability.

In the realm of HCI, defining terms related to computer interface development is crucial (Shneiderman, 2010). For instance, "interface" refers to the system's visible aspects that users can see, hear, or touch (Bevan, 1995), while "interaction" encompasses user activities, such as typing or clicking. The general HCI concepts are vital for web design, as designers strive to create user-friendly websites to maximize user engagement.

Enhancing Usability and HCI

To improve product user-friendliness, designers must innovate and develop insights that meet future user values and needs (Shneiderman, 2010). Preece and Rombach (1994) argue that the future of HCI enhancement lies in creating interfaces that empower users to interact with websites and technologies seamlessly. To achieve this, HCI must be integral to the development process (Sasse, Brostoff & Weirich, 2001).

Rogers, Sharp, and Preece (2011) highlight two dimensions of HCI: involving users in the development and implementation of new systems and evaluating cognitive and behavioral factors when users interact with computers. These dimensions must be consistent and interdependent to inform decision-making during product development (Jacob & Karn, 2003).

For companies and service providers, the goal of HCI should be to produce effective, efficient, usable, and safe systems that meet user needs (Preece & Rombach, 1994). Key goals include safety, appeal, utility, efficiency, and effectiveness, focusing on task completion speed and system attractiveness. Usability is essential in HCI because it ensures systems are easy to learn and use, with minimal errors (Shneiderman, 2010).

System development should prioritize creating simple systems with excellent usability by understanding the social, economic, psychological, and organizational factors influencing technology use. This involves developing techniques and tools to assist designers in ensuring computer systems align with user activities (Preece & Rombach, 1994). Tailoring computer systems to match user requirements is crucial since users are unlikely to change significantly to accommodate them (Jacob & Karn, 2003).

Conclusion

In conclusion, the integration of usability and human-computer interaction principles is paramount in today's technology-driven world. While computers have revolutionized various sectors, achieving a seamless user experience remains a challenge. By focusing on the interplay between usability and HCI, developers can create technologies that not only meet user needs but also enhance productivity and satisfaction. Addressing usability challenges requires a concerted effort to understand user behavior, p

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