Human-Computer Interaction: An Industry Perspective on Modern Software Engineering

 

     Since the world is becoming increasingly more digitalized, software engineering is still among the most sought after and rapidly growing careers. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2023) predicts a 25% increase in hiring software developers from 2022 through 2032, compared with a faster than average increase for all jobs. This growth is driven by an increasing reliance on digital solutions across sectors such as business automation, data analytics, healthcare, education, and entertainment. As technology advances, so does demand for qualified software engineers who are capable of constructing, maintaining, and optimizing software applications. As of 2024, there are over 4.4 million software developers in the United States, a number projected to steadily grow with digital transformation trends (CompTIA, 2024). This article will examine how software engineering and Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) are evolving, with a focus on popular frameworks such as React Native, Flutter, and WordPress. It will also consider my education plans and future ambitions in software engineering with a focus on technical ability, design thinking, and empathy for users.

     Human-Computer Interaction is a dynamic and multidisciplinary branch of software engineering that combines ideas from computer science, psychology, cognitive science, and design to enhance human interaction with computerized systems. Human-Computer Interaction is all about making computerized technology more usable, effective, and satisfying for people, so that computerized systems are not only functional, but also natural, understandable, and usable. This people-oriented philosophy places an emphasis on constructing human-compatible systems based on human abilities and weaknesses, resulting in more satisfactory overall experiences. Some core principles of Human-Computer Interaction include: using feedback loops to notify users of system status, avoiding cognitive overload by adjusting cognitive load, using affordances to specify potential interactions, and maintaining consistency throughout interfaces. These techniques all provide a solid foundation for constructing seamless and effective digital environments. These principles serve to shorten the distance between intention and system response, allowing for more natural and smooth interaction.

     With technology deepening its footprint in everyday life with mobile applications, smart wearables, smart houses, and immersive experiences such as virtual and augmented reality, the demand for software with a focus on the end-user experience has never been stronger. In fact, global user experience (UX) market spending is expected to reach $21 billion by 2030, up from $6.5 billion in 2022 (Grand View Research, 2023). The emergence of voice interfaces, gesture control, and AI-led personalization further emphasizes the use of well-thought-through Human-Computer Interaction. In such a landscape, Human-Computer Interaction not only enhances software functionality, but also makes it more accessible, so computerized tools are available for an extended and distributed population. Mastering principles of Human-Computer Interaction is now a necessary skill for software engineers, designers, and developers aiming to develop meaningful technological solutions for a more integrated world.

 

     Various ecosystems are defining software development and Human-Computer Interaction. Meta’s React Native allows mobile development using JavaScript and React with common codebases for iOS and Android. It is utilized by large apps such as Facebook and Shopify and allows rapid iteration with reusable bits and native rendering. React Native was used by 38% of developers working on cross-platform applications as of 2023, demonstrating its industry relevance (Statista, 2023). Google’s Flutter supports natively compiled apps with high-performing UI using the Dart language. Its widget-based platform supports expressive looks and consistent experiences on any device. Integrated tools such as Firebase support full-stack mobile apps. Firebase is a platform developed by Google that provides a suite of tools and services like real-time capabilities, easy integration, and full-stack support to help developers build, improve, and grow web and mobile applications. Then for the web, WordPress used by more websites than any other content management system worldwide, supports over 40% of all websites (W3Techs, 2024). In addition, WordPress powers 65.2% of all CMS-built websites, showcasing its overwhelming dominance in the CMS space (Kinsta, 2024). Each platform has distinct professional cultures, React Native facilitates agile and scalable approaches. While, Flutter endorses expressive, cross-platform UI. Then, WordPress supports accessibility and community innovation. A variety of trends are defining software engineering’s future. Cross-platform development is expanding with tools such as React Native and Flutter that facilitate multi-OS deployment. While, Low-code/no-code platforms, including WordPress, open web creation to more people and minimize development overhead. The global low-code platform market was valued at $22.5 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach $148.5 billion by 2030, highlighting massive industry momentum (Fortune Business Insights, 2023).

     In my experience, I would use React Native for any mobile application with image uploads. React Native is well-suited for image uploads due to its rich ecosystem and developer-friendly libraries. It provides an array of well-documented and popular libraries to access the image gallery or camera, including react-native-image-picker, and handle file storage using libraries such as react-native-fs. All these simplify what could be an extremely complex task in native development, including dealing with permissions, file paths, and multipart upload requests. All these can now be handled on React Native through the use of a single JavaScript codebase that works frictionlessly on both iOS and Android. Flutter is new, yet often daunting, yet it’s brilliant at animation and performance. It’s great for creating chat applications, games, and visually dynamic interfaces. The integration of Flutter with Firebase, which is among the fastest and most robust real-time databases available, makes it a strong contender for server-based application development.

     These trends call for developers with technical ability paired with empathy. As a Computer Science Online program student at Cal State University, Monterey Bay, I plan to establish a solid foundation in both practice and theory. The most impactful course that I will be taking is CST 338 – Software Design, through which I will gain an in-depth exploration into Java and advanced object-oriented (OOP) concepts. Since OOP forms the base for most contemporary programming languages, including C++, Python, and JavaScript. This course will solidify my grasp of encapsulation, inheritance, polymorphism, and abstraction—principles important for crafting modular, maintainable code. Java, having become an enterprise and back-end language. This course will also broaden my flexibility across platforms and project types.

     Just as significant will be CST 336 – Internet Programming, which focuses on JavaScript and web technology. In this class, I will learn how to work with the DOM, the browser APIs, and asynchronous data retrieval skills that I was able to directly apply in real-world frontend and full-stack positions. As React and Electron rose in popularity, JavaScript is now not just for websites but it also drives desktop applications and rich user interfaces too. It will be through taking this class that my enthusiasm for web development and user experience will be solidified.

     In order to expand my vision in the software development cycle, I will be taking CST 438 – Software Engineering, where the focus is on the complete cycle of production-stage software development, requirements collection, and system design through system testing, project planning, and implementation. The course is built to replicate industrial practices, with an emphasis on collaboration and compliance with professional standards, making it the perfect bridge into capstone experience and industrial software implementation.

     Apart from purely technical education, CST 328 – Digital Arts and Design will help build practical proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. Both tools are crucial in creating raster and vector graphics, wireframes, layouts, and icons. The course combines creativity with digital accuracy, teaching concepts like typography, color theory, and composition—the building blocks for creating visually sound and engaging interfaces. In an age where front-end developers work hand in hand with designers or, in some cases, are designers themselves, these skills will assist me in closing the gap between code and creativity. I also look forward in particular to taking CST 325 – Graphics Programming, an option that covers computer graphics from both mathematics and programming standpoints. The course is heavy on OpenGL, as it covers advanced rendering, shader programming, and 3D modeling. Such knowledge is particularly valuable for those in fields that depend on rich, immersive environments—such as gaming, simulations, augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR). In increasingly sophisticated projects like modeling the solar system or creating realistic lighting, I anticipate sharpening my algorithmic thinking and creativity.

     These courses, in addition to CST 311 – Computer Networking and CST 363 – Database Systems, will complete my knowledge throughout the software stack—from the infrastructure and data layers on down through visual design and user experience. Each course is chosen not merely to fill in the gaps in a curriculum, but as a stepping stone toward being able to become an informed, skilled developer who can grasp, design, and construct holistic, meaningful software solutions.

On top of preparing me for conventional software development positions, this broad academic foundation will also give me the necessary tools for a freelance and independent software designer, which my ultimate goal. I desire to release independent software projects of my own with my skills in software engineering. Blending technical courses like CST 338 – Software Design and CST 336 – Internet Programming with the creativity and design-based work such as CST 328 – Digital Arts and Design will give me both the skills in software engineering and design acuity in creating end-to-end, user-centered digital products from scratch. Freelance software engineers must often juggle multiple roles including developer, designer and project manager. Experience in agile, version control, UI/UX, and tools such as Illustrator, Photoshop, WordPress, and Firebase will prepare me for that many-hatted task. Backed with this foundation, I believe in my capacity for presenting high-gloss, scalable, and visually appealing software independently, as well as in adapting rapidly to diverse clients’ and industries’ demands.

     Outside of required classes, I’ve already started creating and developing several projects to solidify my acumen. LaffyHoopz is a React Native mobile application created with Expo that is still in development. LaffyHoopz already includes an array of features for engaging features aimed at calling back basketball lovers and maximizing their experience. The Meetup & Instagram Stories Module lets users create, find, and join local basketball meetups, events, and pickup games, share their moments in an Instagram Stories-like feed showcasing other users’ real-time posts, and enable fans to follow and share their favorite players’ posts in the feed as well. The Basketball & Health Directory offers an informative sitemap filled with references for basketball clubs, health tips, and training accounts, providing users with the latest advice and events on hand. In the Profile & Twitter-Style Announcements section, users can display their basketball history and accomplishments in their own profile page, and interact with followers through brief updates submitted in a feed in the style of Twitter. The Explore & Content Sharing module features a fresh random collage format for browsing basketball content and fan work, along with like, search, and post links for highlights or other favorite basketball-specific entries. In the meanwhile, the Shop & Marketplace lets you purchase and trade basketball equipment, with the ability to negotiate prices via interactive comment strings.

Aside from the core features, LaffyHoopz comes with some additional offerings. Group Chats facilitate live discussions and share links in designated areas for the Event, the Profile, and the Shop. The 60-second highlight reels, where licensed, exclusive basketball action plays in the background, enhance the experience. Last, the Expo Image Picker easily allows for uploading images of basketball action/moments or equipment, while support for video uploads is in the pipeline. Overall, all these features compose an interactive and dynamic interface for basketball fans to interact, share, and engage. I’ve applied principles of Human-Computer Interaction, included real-time submission feedback, conceptual clarity, and responsive design. I’ve also designed two live WordPress sites: https://willtheotter.com and https://lafayettehoop.com. WillTheOtter.com is a personal portfolio and learning hub. The site documents my journey through app and web development, providing insights into both academic progress and hands-on project work. It explores app development using cross-platform tools like React Native and Flutter, highlighting the shift from simple programs to today’s AI-enhanced experiences. The web development section traces the evolution from static pages to dynamic websites built with modern frameworks and tools like WordPress. A standout feature is the inclusion of short TikTok videos that offer a behind-the-scenes look at the developer’s progress, giving visitors a visual and engaging way to follow the app-building process in real time. These exercises reflect web composition, integration with plugins, and best practices for search engine optimization. They use tools such as Google Analytics, Elementor, and uptime monitoring for usability, accessibility, and performance. These projects together illustrate a combination of technical skill and people-centric design.

     My work has allowed me to eliminate the excess complexity from the development process and instead devote more attention to building sites that are natural to use, fast to execute, and targeted to actual user needs. This experience was a reaffirmation of my faith in the power of good design and smart engineering to build significant digital experiences. I do not see technology as a tool to utilize; I see it as a connector between individuals and possibility a means to transform human intuition into scalable and meaningful solutions. As I evolve as a designer and developer, I am dedicated to the intersection of engineering and human experience. I aspire to create software that is both efficient and responsive as well as resonant and empathetic to the individuals it touches. I believe the blend of technical ability and empathy is the hallmark of the next generation of tech with impact.

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