Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)
[ AYCH-SEE-EYE ]A multidisciplinary field that brings together researchers from computer science, design, psychology, and other disciplines to create computer systems that are easy to use, solve real problems, and empower people.
As computers have evolved, so has HCI. It originally studied hardware like mice, keyboards, and screens, before expanding to graphical user interfaces, touchscreens, and now voice control, virtual reality, and beyond.
Because computers are integral to everyday life, HCI has become a very broad field. Not all HCI is Design Research and not all Design Research is HCI, but there is significant overlap—many HCI researchers use approaches like Research through Design, Design Fiction, and User Research to create new understanding.
