Anthropology-Based Computing: Putting the Human in Human-Computer Interaction – eBook

We have always made tools to improve our productivity and help us lead better lives; though we find ourselves continuously battling against our new computerized tools, making us less productive and risking our health and our lives. Anthropology-Based Computing: Putting the Human in Human-Computer Interaction, (PDF) looks at Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) from a truly human-centered perspective; emphasizing on human physiology and psychology instead of the motley series of brilliant innovations, celebrated mistakes, and cross-generational habits that include the computer-centered HCI that we practice today.

This three-part guide claims that human interest and calm technology need to be at the heart of HCI. It starts by exposing the inherent dangers in past and present HCI. Employing his past experiences within Anthropology, Linguistics, Education, Human Factors, Ergonomics and Computer Science the author introduces and examines the theory of ‘Anthropology-Based Computing’ (ABC) along with new ideas like Dynamic Environmental Focus (DEF), a new model of General Human Interaction (GHI), and a new triune model of the brain: Brown’s Representation of Anthropogenic Interaction in Natural Settings (BRAINS). Elaborated illustrations show how HCI can be improved by considering how human brains and bodies actually work. The final part is a series of simple illustrated experiments, each employing an aspect of ABC to enhance the way our computers and computerized devices treat us.

Anthropology-Based Computing is written for those who work with computers, not only for those who work on them. Researchers and students in Design and Psychology, and Computer Scientists as well, will take advantage from seeing what is missing from the devices that are already in place, why that is, and how to make the practical changes that will instantly improve the physiological and psychological experience of using phones, on-board navigation systems, and the innumerable other computers we use at work and at home today and will continue to use in the upcoming days.

Review

“The ebook is a great resource to not only introduce the subject from a historical viewpoint but also to reveal readers to the subject supported by experience-based examples analogous to the HCI environment. … The summary and abstract in every chapter provide the desired emphasis and help the reader glean the most important information. … the ebook will build interest from researchers pursuing HCI who are involved in experimentation.” — Harekrishna Misra, Computing Reviews, April 2017

NOTE: The product includes the ebook Anthropology-Based Computing: Putting the Human in Human-Computer Interaction in PDF. No access codes or other media are included.