The discussion on the influence that the aspects of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) have the quality of a product has left the boundaries of academic walls to become a topic heavily discussed in the market of Information Technology. Mainly within the software development context, has seen a “look” especially with regard to the user experience with the software product.
The IHC area is not new. Since computers were created there is a need for understanding on how to enable communication between humans and computers. However, once the philosophy of software development was focused on creating ways to interact, without actually observe which were user needs that would use the product.
In addition to the evolution of personal computers (PC), in recent years has seen a growing adoption of small touchscreen devices (tablets and smartphones) for different audiences in Brazil. And in the compass of this growth, computers have evolved not only on their speed to perform tasks, but also offering its users different features (touch, gestures, voice, etc.) so that communication between human and computer can be done in a more interactive.
Technology has advanced, but that did change were the users. Today users seek not only a launch of a computer and / or new software. They want the human-computer experience becomes more pleasant and bring real benefits to it. This new user requirement has pushed the shares of software development companies, fostering discussions on the User Experience (UX – User eXperience). UX should be seen as a concept that encompasses all aspects of user interaction with the company, its services and its products. The UX area focuses on meeting the expectations, quality of experience, all the perceptions, efficiency, effectiveness and emotional satisfaction of the people. Not only are the objects involved at the time of user interaction with software that matter, but also the feelings that this time will result in the user during and after the interaction.
The movement that is currently live contrary to what happened when computers were deployed in companies. At that time, there was concern by the user in learning how he should behave, that he should use codes so he could interact with the computer. It was very common for users to write down step by step, with a large number of tasks they should undertake to achieve a certain goal. Today this concern is reversed. Software developers is that they should work on building communication, outlining a computer-human interaction process that is closest to your user needs.
There are a variety of techniques and methodologies that can be applied IHC for a better user experience is made possible. Usually, the cycle that follows is simple and iterative – research, devise, build and evaluate – being carried out continuously until the interaction requirements are met. But the big difference is in the “look” in fact to the user experience. One should observe and collect data about tasks and context of use of real users in order to understand the needs of the target audience, seeking improvements that can be made in the project to result in satisfaction and meet the expectations of end users.
Finally, concern for the user experience is no going back that should be seen as an important competitive advantage for companies that develop software. A work to be done is to train software developers are able to adopt and put into practice the techniques and methodologies that enhance the development of products that improve the user experience. However, the most important and fundamental action is the implementation of a culture within the company that develops software that allows your employees understand the importance that the use of IHC techniques add to the software development process, and thus the user experience with product.
Professor. Dr. Luciana Martinez Zaina -. Department of Computer Science (DCOMP) – Science Center of Management and Technology – UFSCar – Sorocaba
lzaina@ufscar.br
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