Understanding Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and Why It Matters
When you tap your smartphone screen to check the weather or use a mouse to click a button on a website, you are engaging in human-computer interaction (HCI). Whether we realize it or not, HCI is at the heart of every action we take when using a digital device. From smartphones and tablets to ATMs and smart TVs—everything depends on how well humans can interact with machines.
In Bangladesh, as the country progresses toward becoming a Smart Nation, the importance of designing user-friendly, accessible digital tools becomes even more critical. Whether it’s creating a government website, an app for farmers, or an educational platform for students, understanding HCI is essential for building systems that people can use and benefit from.
This blog explores what HCI means, why it is important, and how it plays a crucial role in technology design — especially in the context of Bangladesh.
What is human-computer interaction (HCI)?
Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) is a multidisciplinary field that studies how people interact with computers and digital systems. It focuses on understanding the behavior, needs, and limitations of users and designing computer systems that are easy to use, efficient, and accessible.
At the core of HCI lies the idea that technology should serve people, not the other way around. Early computers were designed only for experts—scientists, engineers, or trained typists. However, today, technology is part of everyday life. Everyone from students and farmers to doctors and government officials uses digital tools. That is why technology must be designed in a way that people from all walks of life—regardless of age, education level, or ability—can use it effectively. This is exactly where HCI plays a crucial role.
HCI draws knowledge from several areas:
- Computer science teaches how software and systems are built.
- Psychology helps designers understand how people think, learn, and behave.
- Design and visual communication help create user interfaces (UI) that are easy to understand and visually clear.
- Sociology and anthropology contribute to understanding user behavior in different social and cultural contexts—which is especially important in diverse countries like Bangladesh.
A basic HCI model has three key components:
The Human (User): This includes their background, goals, experiences, and any limitations (like disabilities or low literacy).
The Computer (System): This refers to any device or software—such as websites, mobile apps, kiosks, or ATMs.
The Interaction: This involves how users communicate with the system—through clicks, touch, speech, typing, or gestures.
For example, when a citizen uses a mobile app to register for a government service, the HCI model ensures that the interface is understandable (using clear icons, readable text, and step-by-step guidance), the system responds properly (providing feedback after each action), and the overall process is not stressful.
If HCI principles are not followed, users may become confused, make mistakes, or even abandon the system altogether—resulting in poor user experience and low adoption rates.
Why HCI is Significant: Making Technology Useful and Inclusive
HCI is not just about making apps look attractive—it’s about ensuring digital technology is functional, usable, and accessible to everyone, especially in a country like Bangladesh where many users are new to digital systems. Let’s explore the significance of HCI through different lenses:
Ensures Ease of Use (Usability):
Good HCI design makes systems easier to understand and operate. When a system is intuitive, people can use it without needing training or help. In Bangladesh, this is especially important because many citizens—particularly in rural or low-income communities—may have limited formal education or exposure to digital devices.
For example, using large, easy-to-understand buttons and simple language in Bangla can help more people complete tasks like submitting a job application online or registering for government aid.
Promotes Digital Inclusion:
HCI makes systems more inclusive by considering the needs of people with disabilities or those with limited digital literacy. This includes adding features like screen readers for the visually impaired, voice navigation for those who cannot read, and easy navigation for elderly users.
In Bangladesh, where many citizens still live below the poverty line or in remote areas, accessible systems ensure that no one is left behind in the digital age.
Improves Efficiency and Reduces Errors:
When people interact with systems designed using HCI principles, they make fewer mistakes and complete tasks more quickly. For example, well-designed government portals that guide users through the steps with visual feedback (such as progress bars and confirmation messages) reduce user confusion and make the process more efficient.
Builds Trust and Encourages Adoption:
People are more likely to adopt and regularly use systems that are reliable and user-friendly. If someone has a bad experience (e.g., confusing forms, slow loading, unclear instructions), they may stop using the service altogether. A positive experience builds confidence and increases engagement with digital services.
This is vital in government projects—like digital land record systems or birth registration platforms—where public cooperation is necessary for success.
Supports National Development Goals:
By improving citizen access to education, healthcare, business opportunities, and public services, HCI contributes to broader goals such as Smart Bangladesh 2041, financial inclusion, and digital equity. In simple terms, the better the technology works for people, the more it helps the country grow.
Real-Life Examples from Bangladesh
Let’s look at how HCI principles are already being applied—or sometimes overlooked—in Bangladesh’s digital journey:
Union Digital Centers (UDCs):
These centers offer over 200 digital government services (like birth certificates, land tax payment, and online forms) at the union level. Many users are first-time digital users. UDCs that follow HCI principles—such as using Bangla menus, displaying icons instead of text, and offering face-to-face guidance—see better service uptake.
However, some centers lack properly trained staff or use outdated systems that confuse users. This shows how poor HCI design can become a barrier to access even when digital services are available.
myGov App:
The myGov mobile application allows citizens to access more than 2,000 public services in one place. The app was designed with simplicity in mind: it uses a clean interface, categorizes services clearly, and supports Bangla—making it easier for people to use. Features like “Frequently Used Services” and a search bar improve navigation.
The HCI design helps users save time and avoid physical visits to government offices, especially in rural districts.
Shikkhok Batayon and Kishor Batayon:
These education platforms are used by teachers and students for learning and teaching. Their HCI design includes:
Simple, clean layout
Large icons
Minimal typing requirements
Bangla content and voice support
These features make the platforms usable by students even in areas with low digital literacy or limited internet access.
Surokkha App (COVID-19 Vaccination Registration):
This app needed to serve millions of people quickly during the pandemic. To succeed, it had to be
Language accessible (Bangla option)
Mobile-friendly (since many users didn’t own computers)
Error-tolerant (easy to correct mistakes)
Clear (step-by-step guidance with confirmations)
The app’s design helped citizens complete vaccine registrations without needing technical help, making it a successful example of HCI in action during a national emergency.
Conclusion
Human-computer interaction is not just a technical term—it’s a vital part of building digital systems that truly work for people. In Bangladesh’s journey toward Smart Bangladesh, understanding and applying HCI principles ensures that technology serves everyone—from urban professionals to rural farmers, from students to seniors.
Whether you're a student, developer, policymaker, or simply a tech user, HCI reminds us that behind every screen is a human being—and technology should always be designed with that person in mind.
Research Task
Choose one digital service or app used widely in Bangladesh (e.g., myGov, Nagad, Surokkha, or Krishi Call Centre).
Evaluate the interface based on HCI principles: Is it user-friendly? Accessible? Easy to navigate?
Interview 2–3 people from different backgrounds (e.g., a student, a shopkeeper, a senior citizen) and ask about their experience using the service.
Write a 300-word report summarizing your findings and suggest two ways the app or platform could be improved.
