RSS
 

Archive for the ‘Human Computer Interface (HCI)’ Category

Future kitchen top – new HCI design

19 Jan

We have all been there – you open a fridge and there is only a packet of cheese and some eggs in there, so what can you make for dinner?

Intel have come up with a new kind of human computer interface for use in kitchens or any other flat surface. You place the items on the kitchen top and the system will work out what they are and suggest some recipes for you.

It works with three devices – a 3D digital camera, combined with a small projector and a computer. The computer will recognise more and more items as you teach it over time. The projector will display information about each item. For example you could place a banana on the top and it shows you the calories. It could then be added to that diet you are following.

At the moment the devices are fairly chunky but if it catches on, then the system could be made as slim as a mobile phone and located underneath the cupboards, for example.

An excellent example of development in HCI design to discuss in class

video below

 

 
Comments Off

Posted in Human Computer Interface (HCI), New technology, Sensors, Smart Homes

 

Microwave racing

16 Jan

Learning about how to develop a well designed human computer interface (HCI) is important and it appears in all A level and some GCSE syllubuses.   However, students often find that the theory can at times be a little dry.

There is a short clip on YouTube that could be used to liven up the start of this topic and promote a discussion about the importance of HCI, especially in critical areas such as design of medical equipment and other key systems.

The video clip, Microwave Racing is by no means scientifically rigorous and yes you can pick many holes in the way the experiment was set up. But the key message behind it is easy for all students to grasp, i.e. that poor interface design can lead to all kinds of different problems.

 
Comments Off

Posted in Human Computer Interface (HCI)