HCI (Human Computer Interaction) currently is the most innovating technology in the world. The internet has transformed the world, and the way we interact with Computers (smartphones, websites, video games, and, increasingly, virtual reality) today has become a day-to-day part of the life. For young women who are curious about technology and how it interacts with people, HCI is a fusion of creativity, problem solving, and innovation. Below are 10 possible careers in HCI, with accompanying notes about what they do, and why you might consider doing them.
1. User Experience (UX) Designer
What They Do:
UX designers prioritize the user experience—and ensuring technology is easy, efficient and fun to use. They study user requirements, develop wireframes and prototypes, and test products for a positive user experience. Their handiwork is present in every app and website and device that just feels intuitive to you.
Why it’s Great:
You are going to merge your psychology, design and technology skills to solve real world problems and make people's lives better.
2. User Interface (UI) Designer
What They Do:
UI designers design the look and feel of digital products—buttons you can click on, menus, icons, page templates, and so on. UI designers ensure that every page or screen is aesthetic, functional and accessible.
Why It's Exciting:
UI design is the perfect blend of art and technology, and a career in this field means that you can play a huge part in the way millions of people interact with digital products each day.
3. Interaction Designer
What They Do:
Interaction designers are concerned with how users move through and engage with the product. They design workflows, transitions, and feedback mechanisms that make the digital experience feel seamless.
Why It's Exciting:
You will get to invent new ways for people to interact with technology. Whether it's gestural commands or voice commands, you have the ability to influence how society interacts with technology.
4. Usability Researcher
What They Do:
In the field of usability we research how people use technology, with a focus of identifying where breaks exist in the usability chain. Testing, interviews and research is conducted and data collected to support their recommendations for redesign.
Why It's Exciting:
You will use scientific methods to expose what people really need from your product and build designs that work for everyone.
5. Accessibility Specialist
What They Do:
Accessibility experts help to make it so that digital products can be used by anyone - even those with disabilities. They vet products and recommend changes, and they push for inclusive design.
Why It’s Exciting:
You will have the opportunity to make technology more accessible and create opportunities for millions of people that would otherwise be excluded.
6. Front-End Developer
What They Do:
Front-end developers write code (or mark-up) that creates the visual elements of what users see and interact with when loading a website or app. Front end developers turn design concepts into reality as working digital experiences, often working closely with designers.
Why It’s Exciting:
You will use your design skills to craft work that looks great and feels amazing on any device.
7. Web Designer
What They Do:
Web Designer Web designers create the visuals and page layout for websites, striking a balance between aesthetics and functionality. Their collaborations often occur with developers, researchers and writers.
Why It’s Exciting:
You will get to build the online presence of brands, organizations, and creative projects.
8. User Researcher
What They Do:
User researchers take a deep dive into understanding user behavior, motivation, and needs. They conduct interviews, surveys, and observations to gain insights into the users that can influence design decisions.
Why It's Exciting:
You will be the voice of the user and make sure that technology is being built for people and not just engineers.
9. Information Architect
What They Do:
Information architects prioritize, structure, and craft content in a way that makes it easy for users to access the information they need as quickly and seamlessly as possible. They design navigation systems, organize and label content, and chart the course an average user would take.
Why It's Exciting:
You will arrange complex puzzle pieces together and ultimately make digital environments less overwhelming for users.
10. Technical Project Manager
What They Do:
Technical project manager gets to oversee the development of digital products. They ensure that the teams stay within budget and on deadline, while producing quality work. The technical project manager encompasses any role that is a bridge between designers, developers, and business owners.
Why It's Exciting:
You will get to lead a project from concept to launch, as well as develop unexpected leadership and organizational skills.
Reasons Why Teens Should Consider HCI Careers
1. Multidisciplinary Approach
HCI is a great choice for teens who love technology and learning about people. Since the field is a combination of computer science, psychology, design, and communications, there's something to cater to all interests.
2. Demand
Technology is becoming more prominent in our lives and is increasingly valued by companies. Businesses need people who can make it effective, usable and accessible to as many people as possible. The demand for HCI skills continues to grow across all fields, such as tech, healthcare, education, gaming, and more.
3. Potential for Impact
HCI is to make technology useful, safe and inclusive, and enhance and shape the lives of people. Whether you are building apps that young people can adopt, or systems that seniors can access, or making websites more inclusive, the work you are doing to make technology accessible to everyone really matters.
4. Level of Creativity and Analyticism
HCI allows you to use both sides of your brain, creativity for your designs and empathy, and logic for your analysis and problem-solving. This mind duality, balancing creativity and analyticism makes HCI a unique and enjoyable field.
5. Potential for Career Growth
Most HCI Careers start from entry level roles such as an intern in design or junior developer positions. As you build experience and a strong portfolio, you may branch into more specialized jobs or even move to leadership positions or research work, and maybe, start your own tech company!
Getting Started as a Teen
Start With the Fundamentals: Search for free lessons around UX/UI design, web development or psychology online. Coursera, edX and Khan Academy are great places to start, they have beginner level courses with a ton of resources.
Create a Portfolio: Look for straightforward projects — design a website for one of your school clubs, sketch out a prototype of an app using free software, do a usability test on an app you enjoy. Record and make notes on the activities you have conducted and the findings, and the next steps you would expected to be taken.
Join Clubs or Competitions: Look for coding clubs, design competitions, or hackathons that are being run by your school or in your community. Typically, clubs will get together once per week, and they will have competitions that act as a great way for you to enhance your skills and meet others, who are like-minded.
Connect with Professionals: Contact professionals via such platforms as LinkedIn and through online HCI communities. Most people are happy to give advice, or answer questions.
Curiosity is Key: Stay updated on the latest in tech, design, and accessibility. Read technology or design blogs, or take YouTube tutorials, and try out new tools.
Conclusion
Human-Computer Interaction is one area where technology meets humans. For teens who are excited about improving digital experiences for everyone HCI is an area of endless possibilities and opportunities. Whether you see yourself as a designer, computer scientist, researcher, or leader, HCI has a place for you with tons of neglected opportunities. Explore this area and you may be contributing to the future of how we interact with technology!
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