HCI, natural science and design

Abstract

Human-computer interaction is multidisciplinary, drawing paradi~ar$ techniques from both the natural sciences and the design disciplines. HCI cannot be considered a pure natural science because it studies the interaction betweett people and artificiaUy-created artifacts, rather than naturallyoccurring phenomena, which violates several basic assumptions of naturat seienee. Similarly,HCI cannot be eortsidered a pure design discipline because it strives to independently verify design decisions and processes, and borrows many value-s from scientists.