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Conceptions of the Discipline of HCI:
Craft, Applied Science, and Engineering




John Long and John Dowell


Ergonomics Unit, University College London,
26 Bedford Way, London. WC1H 0AP.





The theme of HCI '89 is 'the theory and practice of HCI'. In providing a general
introduction to the Conference, this paper develops the theme within a characterisation
of alternative conceptions of the discipline of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI). First,
consideration of disciplines in general suggests their complete definition can be
summarised as: 'knowledge, practices and a general problem having a particular scope,
where knowledge supports practices seeking solutions to the general problem'. Second,
the scope of the general problem of HCI is defined by reference to humans, computers,
and the work they perform. Third, by intersecting these two definitions, a framework is
proposed within which different conceptions of the HCI discipline may be established,
ordered, and related. The framework expresses the essential characteristics of the HCI
discipline, and can be summarised as: 'the use of HCI knowledge to support practices
seeking solutions to the general problem of HCI'. Fourth, three alternative conceptions
of the discipline of HCI are identified. They are HCI as a craft discipline, as an applied
scientific discipline, and as an engineering discipline. Each conception is considered in
terms of its view of the general problem, the practices seeking solutions to the problem,
and the knowledge supporting those practices; examples are provided. Finally, the
alternative conceptions are reviewed, and the effectiveness of the discipline which each
offers is comparatively assessed. The relationships between the conceptions in
establishing a more effective discipline are indicated.







Published in: People and Computers V. Sutcliffe A. and Macaulay L. (ed.s). Cambridge
University Press, Cambridge. Proceedings of the Fifth Conference of the BCS HCI SIG,
Nottingham 5-8 September 1989.

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Contents
1. Introduction 2
1.1. Alternative Interpretations of the Theme 2
1.2. Alternative Conceptions of HCI: the Requirement for a Framework 2
1.3. Aims 3
2. A Framework for Conceptions of the HCI Discipline 3
2.1. On the Nature of Disciplines 3
2.2. Of Humans Interacting with Computers 5
2.3. The Framework for Conceptions of the HCI Discipline 6
3. Three Conceptions of the Discipline of HCI 8
3.1. Conception of HCI as a Craft Discipline 8
3.2. Conception of HCI as an Applied Science Discipline 11
3.3. Conception of HCI as an Engineering Discipline 15
4. Summary and Conclusions 18



1. Introduction
HCI '89 is the fifth conference in the 'People and Computers' series organised by the British
Computer Society's HCI Specialist Group. The main theme of HCI '89 is 'the theory and practice of
HCI'. The significance of the theme derives from the questions it prompts and from the Conference
aims arising from it. For example, what is HCI? What is HCI practice? What theory supports HCI
practice? How well does HCI theory support HCI practice? Addressing such questions develops the
Conference theme and so advances the Conference goals.
1.1. Alternative Interpretations of the Theme
Any attempt to address these questions, however, admits no singular answer. For example, some
would claim HCI as a science, others as engineering. Some would claim HCI practice as 'trial and
error', others as 'specify and implement'. Some would claim HCI theory as explanatory laws, others
as design principles. Some would claim HCI theory as directly supporting HCI practice, others as
indirectly providing support. Some would claim HCI theory as effectively supporting HCI practice,