Computing and IT in the WorkplaceCT006-1

Human Aspects of Computing

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Learning Outcomes

At the end of this section, YOU should be able to:

• To explain importance of the human computer interface aspects in IT

• To explain and describe the concepts of ergonomics

• To explain computer related health issues and the prevention

• To explain and discuss the usable interface

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Topics we will cover

• Human Computer Interface (HCI)

• The importance of HCI

• Human Factors

• Health concerns of Computer use

• Ergonomics

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Overview of Human Computer Interface

• Definition of HCI– HCI is concerned with the design, evaluation

and implementation of interaction computing systems for human use and with the study of major phenomena surrounding them

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Human Computer Interface

• Human– Individual user, a group of users that work

together– A sequence of user in an organization each

dealing with some part of the task or process.– They use technology

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Human Computer Interface

• Computer– Any technology ranging from the general desktop

to a large scale computer system, a process control or an embedded system

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Human Computer Interface

• Interaction– Communication between user and computer

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• Designing computer systems that support people so that they can carry out their activities productively and safely

• HCI is used to describe the interaction between a user and a computer

• ‘Computer’ is not just the PC, but also machines like photocopiers, microwave and etc.

Human Computer Interface

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Importance of HCI

The importance of HCI– Concerned with the user performance (Human

Factors and Ergonomics)

– Produce usable and safe system as well as functional system

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To improve…• Safety

• Utility (functionality)

• Effectiveness (do the right thing)

• Efficiency (do things right)

• Usability

• Simplicity

Importance of HCI

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• System failure & HCI– 16% of the projects are successful

– 31% are partially successful

– 53% of projects are fail

– Failure is overwhelming due to human rather than technical factors

Importance of HCI

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• Why system fail?– Inadequate requirements 13%

– Lack of user participation 12%

– Inadequate resources 11%

– Unrealistic expectation 10%

– Lack of support at senior level 9%

– Changing specifications 8%

– Lack of planning 8%

Importance of HCI

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• All the discipline that related to HCI…– Psychology and cognitive science (give the

knowledge of user’s perceptual, Cognitive and problem solving skills, ergonomics for the user’s physical capabilities)

Importance of HCI

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• Sociology and organization psychology (understand the wider context of the interaction)

• Computer science and engineering (build the necessary technology)

• Business (marketing)

• Graphic (effective interface presentation)

• Technical (produce user manual)

Importance of HCI

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Health Concerns of Computer Use

Computer vision syndrome Computer vision syndrome (CVS)(CVS)—eye and vision —eye and vision

problemsproblems

Computer vision syndrome Computer vision syndrome (CVS)(CVS)—eye and vision —eye and vision

problemsproblems

• What are some health concerns of computer use?

Repetitive strain injury (RSI)Repetitive strain injury (RSI)Repetitive strain injury (RSI)Repetitive strain injury (RSI)

Computer addictionComputer addiction—when —when computer consumes entire computer consumes entire

social lifesocial life

Computer addictionComputer addiction—when —when computer consumes entire computer consumes entire

social lifesocial life

TendonitisTendonitis—inflammation of —inflammation of tendon due to repeated motiontendon due to repeated motionTendonitisTendonitis—inflammation of —inflammation of

tendon due to repeated motiontendon due to repeated motion

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS)Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS)—inflammation of nerve that —inflammation of nerve that

connects forearm to palmconnects forearm to palm

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS)Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS)—inflammation of nerve that —inflammation of nerve that

connects forearm to palmconnects forearm to palm

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How can you ease eyestrain when working at the computer?

Health Concerns of Computer Use

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Health Concerns of Computer Use

• Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI)– Wrist, hand, arm, and neck injuries as a

result of forced muscle groups through fast, repetitive motions• Typing on a keyboard-based device

(computer, musical instrument)• Moving groceries items over a scanner

– Preventive measures: change in technique of operating the instruments, take a rest

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Health Concerns of Computer Use

What precautions can prevent tendonitis or carpal tunnel syndrome? Take frequent breaks during computer session Use wrist rest Exercise hands

and arms Minimize number

of times you switch between mouse and keyboard

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Health Concerns of Computer Use

• Back & Neck Pains– Possible causes:

• Improper use of chairs• Improper ways of positioning keyboard

and/or display screen

– Preventive measure: use adjustable, special-purpose furniture

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Health Concerns of Computer Use

• Electromagnetic Fields (EMFs)– Waves of electrical and magnetic energies

generated by electrical devices– Strongest fields are emitted from the sides

and backs of terminals and CRT display screens

• Noise– Generated by power supply fan, impact

printer

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Ergonomics

What is ergonomics? Applied science devoted to comfort, efficiency, and

safety in workplacekeyboard height: 23” to 28”

feet flat on floor

adjustable height chair with 5 legs for stability

adjustable seat

adjustable backrest

elbows at 90° and arms and hands parallel to floor

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Green Computing

Reducing electricity and environmental waste while using computer

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Review Questions

How could health related disorders and injuries due to computer use be prevented?

Explain and discuss an appropriate workplace design.

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Q & A

Question and Answer Session

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Topic and Structure of next session

Ethical and Legal Issues

What we will cover next