Abstract: As the entry point and contact point for human-computer interaction, the human-computer interface (HCI) is the "language" through which products communicate with users, and its design quality affects user satisfaction. This study analyzes the functionality, emotionality, and environmental aspects of HCI from the perspective of discourse analysis, exploring the structure, refinement, and context of this language, thereby enabling designers to better grasp the rules of HCI design.
Keywords: Human-computer interface; discourse analysis; function; emotion; environment
0 Introduction
In the process of human-computer interaction, users interact and communicate with the product through the product's display and control interface, and exchange information to achieve the purpose of completing the task. It should be noted that the human-computer interface in this article is a human-computer interface in a broad sense, and not just the human-computer interface in the computer system. It is the combination of the internal environment (the material and organization of the artificial object itself) and the external environment (the working or use environment of the artificial object) [1] , and is divided into three categories: functional design interface, emotional design interface, and environmental design interface, as shown in Figure 1. The functional design interface is the receiving of the functional information of the object, the manipulation and control of the object, and also includes the interface with production, that is, the use of materials, the application of science and technology, etc. This interface reflects the coordination between design and artificial objects. The emotional design interface is the object to convey feelings to people and achieve emotional resonance with people. This interface reflects the relationship between design and people. The environmental design interface is the external environmental factors that transmit information to people. No product or graphic visual communication work or indoor and outdoor environmental work can exist without the environment. The physical conditions and spiritual atmosphere of the environment are indispensable interface factors. It is evident that interface design is a product of information expression and the pursuit of human-computer dialogue, combining multiple structures such as human psychological patterns, culture, ethnicity, and science and technology. How to organize and design this information within the human-computer interface, ensuring that its ultimate destination—people from different cultural backgrounds—is easily understood and correctly operated, is the core and foundation of interface design. Since the human-computer interface is the carrier of human-computer interaction, it should be a "dialogue, not a monologue," possessing certain discourse characteristics. Language is a crucial tool for human communication, and the human-computer interface, as a special language, conveys various kinds of information to users. Therefore, introducing discourse analysis methods into the functional, emotional, and environmental research of human-computer interface design, and interpreting the discourse functional architecture, emotional embellishment, and context of the human-computer interface, will help designers better understand and grasp the rules of human-computer interface design.
1. Discourse Analysis and Human-Computer Interface Discourse
Discourse analysis refers to the analysis of language in naturally occurring coherent spoken or written discourse. It focuses on the connections between discourses and reveals the pragmatic meaning and function of the deep structure of discourse. Through macro and micro studies of discourse, it reveals the underlying meaning of discourse, discovers the meaning of discourse, and focuses on studying the function and nature of speech, how people use language to achieve communication goals, and other aspects of language use. Different scholars have different classifications of the functional types of speech. Here, we tend to agree with the statement of Australian linguist MAK. Halliday, who summarized the functions of language into three types in his book Language as social semiotic (1978) [2] :
(1) The ideational function consists of two parts: ① the experiential function, which is the function of language in expressing the speaker's personal experiences and inner activities. ② the logical function, which is the function of expressing the abstract logical relationships obtained from personal experiences.
(2) Interpersonal function, which is the expressive function of language in how speakers and listeners establish and maintain certain social relationships.
(3) Textual function, which is the function of language to be both coherent and in accordance with the needs of the context.
Human-computer interface (HCI) discourse is a larger unit of language than formal statements; it is the interactive language used in human-computer interaction activities. HCI discourse uses familiar, popular, and easily understood formal language as a communication medium, conveying interface information through concise and symbolic visual symbols and auditory signals, enabling smooth communication between humans and machines to achieve machine functions. Simultaneously, the HCI interface showcases the company's image. Therefore, HCI and discourse share certain commonalities.
2. Functional Architecture of Human-Computer Interface Dialogue
2.1 Cognitiveness of Human-Computer Interface Language
The connection between the human-computer interface and the user lies in interactive activities and information transmission, thereby realizing the function of the product and allowing the user to experience pleasure from the operation. The function of the product is primary and is the first issue to be solved in the human-computer interface design, as well as the focus of the human-computer interface discourse structure. We all know that design is a process of transforming abstract design concepts into concrete product entities. Designers, based on their understanding of the product's structure, materials, manufacturing and usage, concretize the product image in their minds and give it aesthetic value. Users establish mental models through the system (product) appearance, that is, through the system's appearance, operation methods, reactions to operation actions, and user manuals, as shown in Figure 2. Since the machine user and the designer are not in the same time and space and cannot communicate directly, we say that the essence of human-computer interface design is to realize timely "presence" communication between product users and product designers. Compared with face-to-face communication with designers, if the system appearance cannot clearly and accurately reflect the design model, users are prone to establishing incorrect mental models during the "reading" activity [3] . Therefore, when designing each product, designers should first establish a user model, which includes users' experience and knowledge of operating the product and their operational logic, in order to eliminate the gap between the design model and the user model and minimize users' frustration and disappointment, so as to avoid users developing negative or resistant feelings towards the product.
Human senses and judgments possess international and objective characteristics. Products share common elements that enable all of humanity to react similarly. To ensure that human-computer interfaces align with users' mental models, it's crucial to understand general cognitive patterns. For instance, given the limited range of human attention, interface design should avoid excessive competition for attention, as this can overwhelm the cognitive processor's capacity, leading to malfunctions and breakdowns. In design, first, we must have a clear target message. Next, we must precisely understand what information the user needs. Only when the information the user desires aligns with the target message will the user notice your message more quickly. Furthermore, information display should be concise, eye-catching, and easy to identify and execute; avoid overloading the interface with information, as this can distract users, cause confusion, and hinder usability, sometimes even leading to anxiety. Additionally, factors such as region, culture, personality, and education influence cognitive patterns, and designers should understand these to design and develop products tailored to the target market.
2.2 The communicative power of human-computer interface language
After understanding the user's cognition, it is necessary to use the content of product semantics to express the function of human-computer interface discourse, so that the human-computer interface itself becomes "self-evident". Since semantics is multifaceted, the key to communicating with users in appropriate language lies in the meticulous and rigorous logical relationship between the elements used in the interface design and the meaning expressed. Through the study of semiotics, the information recognition and transmission of graphic symbols in interface design can be solved, bringing convenience and enjoyment to people. In the semantic communication of products, if the user's psychological feelings and expectations are not realized, then effective semantic communication will not be achieved, causing cognitive obstacles and difficulties for people. The following five semantic expressions should be provided in the interface design [4] : shape meaning, direction and relative position meaning, state meaning, comparison and judgment meaning, and prompt operation meaning. The operation is represented by the combination of shapes, colors, materials, and positions that people are already familiar with, and the operation process is made to conform to the characteristics of human action. At the same time, operation feedback is provided so that users can actively recognize and grasp any information of the product. Of course, if the product is designed purely from the perspective of functionality, the various characteristics of the product (such as nationality and purity) will be neutralized and the product's individual characteristics will be lost.
2.3 Security of Human-Computer Interface Dialogue
When people interact, friendly and non-aggressive language is half the battle. To maximize human efficiency and minimize adverse conditions, the design of the product must meet people's requirements for comfort and humanization, both physiologically and psychologically. Therefore, ergonomic factors must also be considered when designing human-computer interfaces. How do we evaluate whether a product meets the standards of ergonomics and is a humanized product? Taking the Stulgart Design Center in Germany as an example, the ergonomic standards set for the annual selection of excellent products are as follows [5] : (1) Whether the product is compatible with the size, shape and force of the human body; (2) Whether the product is easy to use and convenient; (3) Whether it prevents accidental injury and danger caused by misuse during operation; (4) Whether each operating unit is practical; (5) Whether the placement of each component makes its meaning unambiguous; (6) Whether the product is easy to clean, maintain and repair. In the design process, only by paying attention to human factors and tailoring the design to the user's needs, making it easy for people to operate and use, can safety, comfort, efficiency and economy be guaranteed.
3. Emotional embellishment of human-computer interface language
From a pragmatic perspective, human communication relies not only on language but also on communicative competence. The human-computer interface (HCI) is the "entry point" for people to perceive a product and the "touchpoint" for operating and using it. As one of the representatives of a company's image, it possesses certain social functions. To fulfill these functions, the HCI needs to have the following characteristics:
3.1 The Aesthetics of Human-Computer Interface Language
Traditional Chinese culture favors gentleness and kindness, while American cowboy culture favors ruggedness and boldness, resulting in vastly different aesthetic views on language. In the information age, design has transcended the relationship between form and function, using design to improve the human-machine interface, eliminate interface barriers, and generate psychological or spiritual functions based on the product's practicality and cognitive understanding. After developing the core technology of a modern product, it should be designed with an attractive appearance, placing various components in appropriate positions, based on its market positioning, functional use, and structural form, to create a complete, aesthetically pleasing, practical new product suitable for industrial production. The principles of formal beauty in aesthetics can be rationally utilized to satisfy people's sensory pleasure through the design of interface materials, structure, function, form, and color. Principles of formal beauty such as symmetry, balance, rhythm, and harmony seem to find corresponding applications in human-computer interfaces. As shown in Figure 3, the DMG CTX 210 universal lathe features simple geometric shapes as its main components, resulting in a unified and complete overall design. The color scheme uses calm, simple, and low-saturation white, gray, and light green, accented with bright colors. It is simple yet not monotonous, calm yet not dull. This color scheme is warm, subtle, and pleasing to the eye, reflecting the functional characteristics of CNC machine tools while also making the operator feel comfortable and at ease with the machine, thus promoting a pleasant and stable work environment.
3.2 Stylization of Human-Computer Interface Discourse
American political speeches are more humorous and witty. Chinese political speeches are solemn and serious, with a stronger sense of tragedy. Similarly, corporate human-computer interfaces also have their own styles. Products of the same company have the same identification elements and a set of practical style guidance systems, which we can call the product's DNA. The product style is people's perception of the common characteristics of the product, which is reflected through the product's human-computer interface, so that users can identify it at a glance [6] . Product identification is one of the corporate image identification behavior strategies. The specific operation method is generally to form a unique corporate style at the intuitive level, including form, operation interface, color, material, user experience and corporate culture. For the product image identification design to be effective, it must resonate with brand consumers, create differences from competitors, and reflect what the corporate organization can and wants to express [7] . Therefore, strategic brand analysis can help designers understand competitors and the brand itself, including the company behind the brand. With the increasing competition in the market, designers must determine that the style is integrated into the specific design, that its style and color are suitable for modern trends, and that they are perfectly combined with functional factors in order to remain invincible in the fierce market competition. Intuitive and logical menus, easy-to-read fonts, artistic graphics, engaging animations, and a well-balanced combination of functions—these elements are known as "Nokia's design DNA," embodying a user-friendly interface.
3.3 Emotionalization of Human-Computer Interface Language
Emotion has three components: (1) subjective experience, that is, the individual's self-feeling of different emotional states; (2) external expression, that is, facial expression, the quantitative form of the body's movements when the emotional state occurs; (3) physiological arousal, that is, the physiological reaction generated by emotion, which is a physiological activation level with different reaction patterns. In his book "Emotional Design", Donald A. Norman divides design activities into three dimensions: "The three starting elements of design are 'instinctive', 'behavioral', and 'reflective'". He emphasizes that instinctive design focuses on appearance; behavioral design is related to the pleasure and efficiency of use, while reflective design needs to consider the rationalization and rationalization of the product [8] . The "reflective design" in the book refers to a certain emotion of a person, which is awakened in the process of contacting and using the product and extends outward. The information transmission of this emotion has a unity of certainty and uncertainty. This interface reflects the relationship between design and people. Here, the emotional human-computer interface referred to by the author is different from the intelligent human-computer interface. The intelligent human-computer interface can understand the user's emotions and intentions and give different feedback and support to different users, different environments, and different tasks. It is a new hot spot in human-computer interaction research. My approach to emotional human-computer interfaces prioritizes usability, harmony with the user environment, and building a lasting emotional bond with the user. If our designs fail to evoke a variety of emotions—joy, excitement, pride, rebellion, anxiety, anger, fear, and rage—then they are, in a sense, meaningless. A work of art is not merely a two- or three-dimensional creation, but an evolution of emotions and cognitive understanding. Emotional design in product interfaces can be achieved through innovative shapes, bold colors, appropriate materials, and product semantics. Furthermore, giving the product a human-centered name can imbue it with a sense of fun and evoke a sense of wonder.
4. Context of Human-Computer Interface Discourse
Context is a key factor in inferring the meaning of discourse. When discourse is used in a specific context, it is given a particular implied meaning. No product, graphic design, or interior/exterior environmental work can exist independently of its environment; the physical conditions and atmosphere of the environment are indispensable interface factors. The physical conditions of the environment greatly influence the working efficiency of human-machine systems, and human-machine systems also have specific requirements for their environment. Designers should consider what kind of working environment helps establish a harmonious relationship between humans and machines, and what kind of devices are needed in a particular environment to ensure the operator's safety, health, and efficient work. For machines, it goes without saying that many machines have environmental requirements, such as being sensitive to high temperatures, humidity, and dust; these factors affect the machine's lifespan and its functionality. Furthermore, in human-machine interface design, designers no longer simply interpret the information exchange between humans and machines, but rather place themselves in the objective context of the human-machine interface and personally experience the process, constructing the user's psychological space and imaginative space, forming a discourse environment radiating from the human-machine interface. For example, electromechanical products typically used outdoors should have their colors contrasted more sharply with different external environmental backgrounds to make them more eye-catching, achieving a warning effect and reducing the occurrence of accidents. For industries such as construction, agriculture, transportation, engineering machinery, and aerospace machinery, vibrant, bright, high-brightness, and high-saturation colors are suitable, such as orange excavators (as shown in Figure 4), yellow bulldozers, red fire trucks, and silver-white or silver-gray airplanes. To better elevate interface design activities beyond superficial "feelings" and "spontaneous" awareness, they need to highlight their specific value within the environment.
5. Summary
Human-computer interface (HCI) design is a process comprised of numerous interconnected and complementary factors. Combining discourse analysis, an emerging theory, with HCI design enables designers to understand discourse structure, grasp HCI rules, master product design strategies, and achieve harmony between functionality, emotion, and the environment. HCI design must be grounded in accurate and systematic facts and data, clearly and precisely conveying information, easily and conveniently implementing functions, being easily understood and perceived, and persuading users with both reason and emotion. Only an easy-to-learn, easy-to-use, and engaging HCI can provide users with a harmonious operating experience, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in the activity without external interference, thus achieving better human-computer interaction.
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Deciphering the Art of Discourse in Human-Computer Interfaces
