Discoveries and Developments in Human-Computer Interaction

Abstract

Objective: This paper describes contributions made to the science and practice of human-computer interaction (HCI), primarily through Human Factors and the society's annual proceedings. Background: Research in HCI began to appear in publications associated with the Society around 1980 and has continued through the present. Method: A search of the literature appearing in either the journal or the proceedings was done to identify the specific contributions made by researchers in this area. Results: More than 2,300 papers were identified, some comparing the actual or predicted performance of a new device, display format, or computer-based system with an existing or alternative system. Other work describes methods for evaluating systems performance. Conclusion: This work has had a tremendous impact, particularly the work of Fitts, Smith and Mosier, and Virzi. Application: Work on HCI has contributed to (a) current national and international guidelines, (b) the development of user interface management systems, (c) the provision of guidance as to where best to invest resources when evaluating computing systems, and (d) the prediction of human performance using those systems.