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1.5 Understanding HCI research methods and measurement 7

science, information systems, psychology, sociology, or engineering. This means
that these individuals come to the field with different approaches to research, with
a certain view of the field. Even students studying HCI frequently take classes in
psychology research methods or educational research methods. But taking just an
educational or psychological approach to research methods doesn't cover the full
breadth of potential research methods in HCI. Ben Shneiderman said that “The old
computing is about what computers can do, the new computing is about what people
can do” (Shneiderman, 2002). Since HCI focuses on what people can do, it involves
multiple fields that involve the study of people, how they think and learn, how they
communicate, and how physical objects are designed to meet their needs. Basically,
HCI researchers need all of the research methods used in almost all of the social sci-
ences, along with some engineering and medical research methods.

1.5 UNDERSTANDING HCI RESEARCH METHODS
AND MEASUREMENT
HCI research requires both rigorous methods and relevance. It is often tempting to
lean more heavily towards one or the other. Some other fields of research do focus
more on theoretical results than on relevance. However, HCI research must be practi-
cal and relevant to people, organizations, or design. The research needs to be able
to influence interface design, development processes, user training, public policy, or
something else. Partially due to the philosophies of the founders of the field, HCI has
had a historic focus on practical results that improve the quality of life (Hochheiser
and Lazar, 2007). Is there a tension sometimes between researchers and practitio-
ners? Absolutely. But all HCI research should at least consider the needs of both
audiences. At the same time, the research methods used (regardless of the source
discipline) must be rigorous and appropriate. It is not sufficient to develop a new
computer interface without researching the need for the interface and without fol-
lowing up with user evaluations of that interface. HCI researchers are often placed
in a position of evangelism where they must go out and convince others of the need
for a focus on human users in computing. The only way to back up statements on
the importance of users and human-centered design is with solid, rigorous research.
Due to this interdisciplinary focus and the historical development of the field,
there are many different approaches to measurement and research currently used in
the field of HCI. A group of researchers, all working on HCI-related topics, often
disagree on what “real HCI research” means. There are major differences in how
various leaders in the field perceive the existence of HCI. Be aware that, as an HCI
researcher, you may run into people who don't like your research methods, are not
comfortable with them, or simply come from a different research background and
are unfamiliar with them. And that's OK. Think of it as another opportunity to be an
HCI evangelist. (Note: As far as we know, the term “interface evangelist” was first
used to describe Bruce Tognazzini. But we really think that the term applies to all of
us who do HCI-related work.) Since the goal of this book is to provide a guide that