The human verses computer is of a person who is using or interacting with the computer in a given environmental location. The person and the computer are designed and modeled as devices, which processes information each having an input, a processor and the output. Person inputs the data through the common sense and outputs through hands and legs. While the computer inputs through the input devices e. g. mouse, keyboard and outputs through the output devices e. g. screen. Also human versus computer is the study of the way people relate or interact with computers.
The user and computer interaction usually occur at the user interface. This includes hardware part e. g. the keyboard, mouse and the monitor and the software which include commands used in determining how the information is presented to the user on the screen. (Card, Moran, & Neusel,1983, P:109). The main objective of human-computer interaction is to make computers user friendly and more convenient and easier to use.
This in turn will enable users find the technology easier and more interesting to use. Human-computer interaction helps mostly in the process of designing computer interfaces i.e. the interface should be more efficient and easier to use by most people even those whose illiteracy level is still low. The interface should also optimize its desired objectives. This is mostly achieved through the use of easier to understand languages and more so by use of efficient and powerful algorithms and software libraries. Human-computer interactions also helps a lot in developing more new interfaces which achieved by evaluating the relationship that can be achieved between humans and computers then comparing the interfaces.
Models of this relationship are therefore developed. These models should clearly describe all the theories of interaction, which has been developed. (Griffin, 1989 P:67) Human-computer interaction is therefore a long term goal which can be used to design computers which can be exploited to the fullest as machines that enhance human thinking provide the required knowledge and to improve communication between humans. There are designers whose objective is to improve computers in order to accept real-world problems. They usually do this by designing the graphical user interfaces.
Researchers in this field of human computer interaction are usually interested in developing and testing new hardware and software devices. They are also developing new theories and models, which can improve the interaction between computer and human. For example the user interface should not only be easier to use but it should allow the user to complete his/her work by providing helping tips where one is stranded. Computers should also be able to process large amount of information and provide the required result at the required time.
Of late data density on computer is 50-100 data points but recent research and advances enables the computer to process data points and present it in a form, which can be absorbed in 1000s. ( Auld, 2002 P:45) Most of the methodologies used in the design of computer are the study of the ways users, designers and the computer interact. For example modern system models tend to concentrate mostly on the constant feedback and the way users, designers and engineer converse.
This has led to use of users as the centre point in designing computers. Here users are used to provide informations on wants, requirements and the limitations they face while using the computers. Also current designers have switched to using contextual usability. This seeks to capture instances and circumstances that a computer can be used oftenly against the cultural influences. Though a lot has been discovered of how computers can relate with humans, more is still to be known about how this interaction could even be closer.
Reference:
Auld, G. (2002). Language, Learning & Technology. The Role of the computer in learning, Vol. 6 Griffin, M. (1989) Public Personnel management. Personnel Research on Testing, selection and performance Appraisal; Vol. 18 Baecker, R. (1995). Readings in human-computer intergration . Towards the year 2000. San Franscisco. Morgan kaufmann Card, S, Moran, T, & Neusel, A (1983). The physiology of Human-Computer interaction. Hilssdale. Evlbaum.