The Patterns of HCI Design: Origin, Perceptions, and Misconceptions

Abstract

This chapter introduces the concept of human–computer interaction (HCI) design pattern—also called UI design pattern, interaction design patterns, HCI patterns, user experience pattern and usability engineering pattern. In this book, we mainly use the term HCI Design pattern, but we also use all these terms interchangeably to refer to HCI design pattern. HCI design patterns—have been introduced as a medium to capture and represent users’ experiences as well as to disseminate it as design knowledge. Patterns have the potential of transferring the design expertise of HCI designers to software engineers, who are usually unfamiliar with UI design and usability principles. What is the difference between design patterns and HCI design patterns? Why are they important among HCI designers and SE practitioners? Why design patterns have been considered as a HCI design tool? Why and how HCI design patterns can make a difference? This chapter provides a first answer to these questions that are the key objectives of this book.