Editor’s note: This story is the first in a series examining the new initiatives Iowa State has begun to enhance the quality and research focus of the university.

As computers become more prevalent in daily life, the study of human-computer interaction is taking on a greater importance.

Human-computer interaction, unlike most computer studies programs, looks at the social experience of people using computers, not just software design or programming.

Money for the Human-Computer Interaction Initiative will pay for three new faculty members in the subject area, along with a new graduate program.

The faculty will be hired by and work for various departments throughout the university but their interests will lie in the study of how humans interact with computers.

“We have a lot of expertise on campus in this area,” said John McCarroll, director of University Relations.

The Virtual Reality Applications Center, located in Howe Hall, will provide an area for research.

“Right now you’ve got a laptop or a PC,” said James Bernard, distinguished professor with the virtual reality center. “I expect in the near future that all places you live and work will turn wireless.”

Bernard said computers will get smaller. Humans will interact with their computers not just for work, writing reports and downloading music, but also for the routine functions of daily life. Any and every piece of factual information will be just clicks away.

“How does this change how you teach?” Bernard said.

The ease of interface will make fact-searching a breeze. The walls could be screens, and people will carry computers much more powerful than current personal computers, he said.

“Computers are becoming so powerful, so fast, that our interactions with computers will change much faster,” Bernard said.

But he warns “computers have to conform to us, not us to them,” because the study of human-computer interaction will simplify computer processes, from checking e-mail to facts.

“You’ll spend less time on your computer, but that time will be spent much more productively,” he said.

The study of human-computer interaction at Iowa State will launch with a graduate program, which Bernard said he expects to begin two semesters from now. The program will be part of the graduate college.

“I think this is just a wonderful opportunity for the campus,” Bernard said.