Human–Computer Interaction for Development: Changing Human—Computer Interaction to Change the World

This chapter explains about applying what we know about user-centered design (UCD) to worldwide economic and community Development. Human–computer interaction (HCI) for Development, or HCI4D, is a new multidisciplinary field. It is defining itself, as is witnessed by the number of names under which it goes: HCI4D, UCD for Development, Human-centered design for Development, Interaction Design and International Development, and others. The chapter presents academics and practitioners from four continents, who count themselves as researchers, teachers, consultants, and practitioners. In addition to clarifying the term “Development,” there is also the question of how to refer to different regions of the world. Most current HCI4D professionals come from a HCI background and are, therefore, aware of these interdisciplinary challenges since they are also present in HCI. However, the addition of Development adds a complexity beyond the challenges within HCI.