Innovative Designs in Human–Computer Interaction

Dear Colleagues,

Human–computer interaction (HCI) is a multidisciplinary field that includes the design, analysis, and evaluation of human interaction with computer systems and technologies; the aim is to make this process easier and more intuitive, efficient, and enjoyable. HCI combines knowledge from several fields of knowledge: computer science, engineering, art, and psychology. Although it first appeared in the early 1980s, nowadays, research in this field has great economic, social, and psychological significance.

Through modern multitouch screen displays, increased computing performance, virtual reality devices, and the evolution of artificial intelligence, users can use context-sensitive multimodal interaction. This interaction takes place through the human senses, which are the primary sources of information, but also through reactions, via which knowledge is accumulated, expectations are met or not met, and emotions are provoked. In other words, thanks to the senses, a mental model is formed, and human behavior follows, which also determines how the person interacts with the outside world, including information systems and computer devices. A user interface (UI), regardless of its type (graphical, command line, menu-driven, voice, touch, etc.) is considered effective and usable if it satisfies expectations, it is comfortable and intuitive to use, it is easy to understand the information that it displays, it is easy to drive, and it provides a response to user experience and behavior. So, the design and development of the user interface for computer devices is initially limited by the pre-existing borders into which it must fit.

All these factors have led to enhanced interest among the scientific community and to attention being focused on the proposal of methods and the development of prototypes for information and computer systems that provide user experience and satisfaction, adaptability to the capabilities and knowledge of users, improvements in the security and reliability of data, and increased productivity. The results obtained are applied directly in the software industry and impact people’s lifestyles.

This Special Issue invites submissions of original research papers and reviews that showcase combined applications, methodologies, and advancements in the fields of human–computer interaction, the brain–computer interface, and natural language processing. We welcome submissions on, but not limited to, the following topics:

• Human–computer interaction (HCI): Applications of HCI in software development, web design, mobile application development, gaming, and healthcare.
• Human–computer design (HCD): Placing users at the center of the design and development process; defining the expectations, preferences, and capabilities of users; and prototyping, testing, and evaluating software.
• Child–computer interaction (CCI): Theories and practical applications in the development of software and robotic systems intended for children. 
• User experience (UX): Key trends, tools, techniques, and software design in UX.
• Machine learning (ML): Automatic speech recognition and natural language processing. 
• Emotion and gesture recognition to improve human–computer interaction.
• Immersive experience: Virtual, augmented, extended, and mixed reality as methods for user engagement and interaction with computer devices.
• Artificial intelligence (AI): Approaches based on artificial intelligence methods used to improve lifestyles, work, and learning.
• Brain–computer interface (BCI): Techniques and methods for researching, mapping, assisting, augmenting, or repairing human cognitive or sensory–motor functions.

I look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Radoslava Kraleva
Guest Editor

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