Teaching and learning human-computer interaction: Past, present, and future

HCI (human-computer interaction) research has strongly affected the marketability of new technologies and networked systems. HCI emerged in the 1970s as a field of inquiry as a result of the increasing penetration of computers and computational devices into the workplace. There have been several efforts to outline core courses for a program in HCI. HCI researchers and practitioners increasingly address the broader social implications of the roles technology can play in our lives, in addition to helping make inherently complex technology more accessible. One theme that has emerged is the question of how structured and how flexible an HCI curriculum should be. But diversification and platform fragmentation remain a central concern. A collaborative effort will be particularly helpful for HCI educators and learners in areas where HCI is starting to be recognized as an emergent field of study in response to growth in interactive technology design and development.