A Historiography of Human-Computer Interaction

Abstract

This essay examines the state of the history of human-computer interaction (HCI) from multiple fields of study. In many ways, there is a lack of consensus about what we mean by not only HCI but also computer interfaces. I find that the different definitions and approaches found primarily in history and media studies offer many different avenues for scholars to continue exploring how humans and computers relate to each other. A theoretical background on the topic is provided and then historical case studies concerning both computer interfaces and the embodied use of computers are discussed to understand what conversations are held in common and what areas are still left to be explored.