The letters HCI Stands for Human Computer Interface which means how users interact with computers in general. For instance, Keyboards are used to interact with a computer and also a mouse. This is because you are telling the computer what you want it to do.
Keyboards/ Mice
We all have used or seen a keyboard plugged into a computer; this is because they are the main way of interacting with them. Keyboards are mainly used for PC games; they allow the user to tell them what to do and also to move a character in a game. All PC Gamers will use a keyboard however certain platforms are beginning to introduce Keyboards into the way you can control games. Mice can be used to interact with computers to, By clicking on certain places and also put things into certain areas, Mice are important for PC Gaming as it controls the direction you are looking also you must click on different things to activate items or movement. Mice are crucial for the PC as you are unable to do what you want to without it.
Screens/Touch Screens
Without screens users are unable to see what they are either playing or doing. Screens have always been a part of gaming and computers and have developed through time as technology does. We use screens for a lot of things. We use them to see what we are doing and to interact with computers and also Televisions. Now days we can use 3D Technology to give people a better experience or to make it look a lot better. We also have touch screens that are interactive by the way you touch them. Phones have screens and some have touch screen and 3D technology. You are now able to play games using this technology.
Pads/ Joysticks
Joysticks are used quite frequently for the two big platforms, Playstation and also Xbox. Throughout the years joysticks shapes have changed into a more ergonomic design. Joysticks interact with the computer and allow you to move a character in a game. For a long time that is how it has been the way you interact with computer games and televisions. With the technology we have now, Touch screens use virtual joysticks and have the joysticks shape on the screen.
Motion Control/ Gyro control.
Motion control is another way people can interact with computers, now we can now play games by our movements. An example of this would be the “Xbox Kinect” in which a sensor detects your movements and you interact with it because of this. Another example of motion control could be some smart phones we have, as we can play games which are controlled by the way we move the phone in a direction, this is called Gyro control. An example of this would be the game “Temple Run” Which you must move the phone to allow your character to move in that way. Motion control in a lot of people’s eyes is the future of gaming, of not needing to use any sort of controller made but your own body movement.
Guitar/Instruments.
Guitars and musical instrumentals is again another example of how people can interact with computers, For instance; “Guitar hero” Is a game in which you have to buy the guitar to play. With the guitar it acts as a controller to play the game. In this you must press certain colours to play the song right. Another game like “Guitar hero “Is “Rockband”, in which takes the same concept of controlling with a guitar and introduces more instruments such as the drums. This takes the same idea of hitting the right colour to play the song right. Controlling games with Guitars and instruments are a very good and unique way of making the game experience better.
Dance Mat
Dance mats are also able to be used to interact with a computer. An example of a game which includes a dance mat controller is “Dance Party” which you must follow arrows on the screen and mimic the actions on the mat. There are some games now that are introducing the same kind of games without the dance mat and with motion technology. The idea of dance mats is again another unique way of interacting with a computer. There is another example of a dance mat which involves your fingers instead of the normal way which makes it a completely different idea. Some games on phones have virtual dance mats in which using touch screen technology you can interact with the movements in that way.
Guns
Guns can be used to interact with computers in many different ways. The Wii consoles have constructed guns that can be used for their games with the Wii remote and so you are able to shoot inside the game using the gun. Also another example is inside arcades there are many games which involve a gun for a controller. This enhances the experience when playing and makes it more fun instead of a virtual gun and using a normal controller.
Voice
Many Computers can be interacted by people’s voices and instructions. An example of this is again the “Xbox Kinect”. In which you are able to tell the Xbox to shut down, Open the disc drive or turn on. This is a fantastic design as it is easier to control. People can use Microphones to talk through and speak to players online and also the computer generated players. This is a great way of interacting with the computer and also helps the game become better. Another big example for voice controls. In Games such as Rockband and Guitar hero, instead of just using instruments give the option to use a microphone to sing the right notes instructed to you.
Headsets
Headsets allow people to interact with computers as they are used to listen to the sound coming from either a game or the computer. Also the beauty of the headset is that there is a microphone also attached to the headphones. This is so players can interact with games with voice control, talk to friends over the internet or simply recording voice sounds.
Cameras
Cameras are another way people can interact with computers. The Xbox “Kinect” again has camera technology in which allows you to be a part of the game. Another example of this would be the “Eye-toy” Introduced to the Play station 2; it allowed players to see themselves in the game and to get a better experience to. People could move their hands into the position the computer told them to and it would activate and control the game movement. Cameras have also been developed into smart phones and general mobile phones to. People can take pictures and manipulate them using touch screen technology.
Steering wheels
Steering wheels can be used on any platform of gaming. Users would use the steering wheels for racing games which allow players to almost drive the car in real life. An example of this would be the popular series “Need for Speed” In which allows players to control the game using steering wheels, It also reacts when crashing as it vibrates. Steering wheels would also normally be a part of some gaming chairs which allow the feeling of crashing into walls into the player. The whole idea of steering wheels in general is to enhance the game experience and also to create a unique way of playing racing games.
Compass
Compasses can be used to interact with a computer. An example of this would be the app for Smart phones and Tablets, Such as the iPhone or the iPad. “Theodolite” is a multifunction augmented reality app that combines a compass, GPS and a map. The app is used to stop people getting lost in the mountains and it tells you how high you are and what direction you are going when you move. This is combined with touch screen technology to make it easy to use. Another example of Compass HCI is “Space-Ware”, the app for iPhone and smart phones. This app allows you to shoot space ships by moving in a direction on a compass.
GPS
GPS (Global positioning system) Is another way to interact with computers. A game that is on iPod and portable devices. Alien Attack GPS allows you to add the gaming world into the real world, this is called augmented reality. Instead of immersing yourself in another gaming world, the game is embedded in your real life.
Pointing Devices
pointing devices are another way of interacting with computers. The Wii remote, allows players to control what is going on the screen using the Wii remote, pointing it at the screen will make the remote act like a mouse on the PC. Being able to click on what you want without touching a keyboard, mouse or any buttons.
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