What is HCI?

Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) is a combination of computer science, psychology, and design. At NASA, HCI refers to the design, evaluation, and implementation of interactive systems that are efficient and easy to use. Tools and applications that allow people to spend more time doing valuable work help NASA fly missions and perform science activities faster and more safely.

Our process

To create usable and useful software, the HCI Group follows an iterative design process. We conduct research to identify requirements, and then we design interfaces, test them, and refine them iteratively. Once a satisfactory design is found, we implement, test, and deploy the newly created software to our clients.

User research

We believe that the best way to determine software requirements is to sit down with the people who will directly use our software. Using observational and ethnographic methods in a context where work takes place, we are able to understand needs and goals.

Interaction design

Starting with data from user research, we consider design principles and human and technological capabilities to arrive at a complete system design.

Usability evaluation

Usability experts evaluate system designs. To supplement these reviews, we collect feedback directly from users. Doing this before implementing software allows us to make changes to the system design and deliver a better product.