This document discusses key topics relating to computing and IT in the workplace including human-computer interaction, health concerns, and ergonomics. It defines human-computer interaction as the design, evaluation, and implementation of computing systems for human use. The importance of HCI is emphasized for improving safety, usability and reducing system failures. Health concerns from computer use like eyestrain, repetitive strain injuries, back pain and electromagnetic fields are covered. Ergonomics is introduced as the applied science of workplace comfort, efficiency and safety.

1. Computing and IT in the Workplace
CT006-1
Human Aspects of Computing

2. 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
Computing and IT in the Workplace
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3. Topics we will cover
•
Human Computer Interface (HCI)
•
The importance of HCI
•
Human Factors
•
Health concerns of Computer use
•
Ergonomics
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4. 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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5. 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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6. 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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7. Human Computer Interface
• Interaction
– Communication between user and computer
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8. Human Computer Interface
• 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.
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9. 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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10. Importance of HCI
To improve…
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•
•
•
•
•
Safety
Utility (functionality)
Effectiveness (do the right thing)
Efficiency (do things right)
Usability
Simplicity
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11. Importance of HCI
• 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
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12. Importance of HCI
• Why system fail?
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–
–
–
–
–
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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%
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13. Importance of HCI
• 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)
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14. Importance of HCI
• 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)
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15. Health Concerns of Computer Use
• What are some health concerns of computer use?
Computer vision syndrome
(CVS)—eye and vision problems
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS)—
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS)—
inflammation of nerve that
inflammation of nerve that
connects forearm to palm
connects forearm to palm
Repetitive strain injury (RSI)
Tendonitis—inflammation of
Tendonitis—inflammation of
tendon due to repeated motion
tendon due to repeated motion
Computer addiction—when
computer consumes entire social
life
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16. Health Concerns of Computer Use
How can you ease eyestrain
when working at the computer?
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17. 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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18. Health Concerns of Computer Use
What precautions can prevent tendonitis or carpal
tunnel syndrome?
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

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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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19. 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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20. 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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21. Ergonomics
What is ergonomics?

Applied science devoted to comfort, efficiency, and
safety in workplace
elbows at 90°
keyboard
height: 23”
to 28”
and arms and
hands parallel
to floor
adjustable
backrest
adjustable
seat
adjustable
height chair
with 5 legs
for stability
feet flat on floor
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22. Green Computing

Reducing electricity and environmental waste while
using computer
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23. Review Questions
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How could health related disorders and injuries
due to computer use be prevented?
Explain and discuss an appropriate workplace
design.
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24. Question and Answer Session
Q&A
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25. What we will cover next
Topic and Structure of next session
Ethical and Legal Issues
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