Human Computer Interaction

Human-Computer interaction concerns itself with studying how people interface with computers and the associated problems that may arise. Fields of study include:

• Improving the visual representation of software programs, especially in regards to the layout of screens
  
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• Improving the operation of software programs in regards to the use of the keyboard, mouse, or other input devices need to operate the program.
  
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• Improving a software program's workflow so that the sequence of steps required to interact with it are more logical and user friendly.
  
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• The psychological reaction of a person to either the appearance of a computer system or to the tasks involved with operating it.
  
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• The ergonomic design of various input devices such as mice, keyboard, touch screens, and even haptic interfaces like telepresence gloves, etc.
  

The toughest challenge for researchers in this field is that of making computers accessible to the physically handicapped. This field is poised for rapid growth as researchers begin to tackle the enormous challenges of exotic computer interfaces, such as direct control of computers from electrodes implanted in the human brain.