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What are the basic principles of human-computer interaction?

Created on 2025-04-23 17:24:13
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The basic principles of human-computer interaction (HCI) focus on creating effective, efficient, and satisfying interactions between users and computer systems. These principles include:

  1. Visibility: Users should be able to see what the system is doing and understand its status. For example, a progress bar on a software installation screen shows the user how much time is remaining.

  2. Feedback: The system should provide timely and clear feedback for every user action. For instance, when a user clicks a button, a visual or auditory cue confirms the action.

  3. Consistency: The design should be consistent throughout the system to reduce user confusion. This includes using familiar icons and maintaining the same layout across different screens.

  4. Simplicity: The interface should be simple and intuitive, minimizing the cognitive load on users. For example, a search function that is easy to find and use helps users quickly locate information.

  5. Affordance: The design should suggest how users can interact with elements. For example, a button should look clickable, with visual cues like bevels, shadows, or animations.

  6. Intuitive Navigation: Users should be able to navigate through the system easily, with clear pathways and logical organization of content.

  7. Error Prevention and Handling: The system should be designed to prevent errors, and when errors do occur, provide clear instructions on how to correct them.

  8. Accessibility: The interface should be accessible to all users, including those with disabilities. This might involve using alt text for images, providing keyboard shortcuts, or using high contrast colors.

In the context of cloud computing, these principles are crucial for designing user-friendly interfaces for cloud services. For example, Tencent Cloud offers a web console that incorporates these principles to provide an intuitive and efficient experience for managing cloud resources. The console features clear visual indicators for resource status, consistent navigation across different services, and accessible controls for users with varying needs.