Human Computer Interfaces Reconsidered: A Conceptual Model for Understanding User Interfaces

The article assesses how human computer interfaces are conceptualized in HCI textbooks and proposes a revised model for understanding user interfaces. In the last decade a variety of novel user interfaces has been introduced. Both new input and output technologies allow users to communicate with digital artifacts in almost limitless ways. However, our understanding of the human computer interface originates from early HCI research, based on the desktop metaphor, including the user, the system, input and output. This article raises the question, how do we conceptualize user interfaces in our own research and for our teaching. The review reveals that there is no consistent understanding of interface concepts in HCI textbooks and that there is a bias towards the desktop metaphor. As a candidate for an updated interface definition, I propose a revised interface model, including 5 concepts: interface paradigm, interaction technique, interaction style, interface platform and interface device. Finally, I report on two examples, how I have used the interface model in the classroom.