The implementation of human-computer interaction (HCI) in mobile devices for search and rescue (SAR) operation

Search and rescue (SAR) operations require members who are capable and highly skilled of having a complete set of equipment which is very important in order to help in rescuing the victims whose exposed to the danger that could be fatal to them. However, the ability and skills possessed by each member of the SAR as well as the complete equipment are not sufficient without an efficient and effective
communication and control between each member of the SAR in conducting a SAR operation. In this day and age, people are exposed to human-computer interaction concept in line with the growth of mobile computing technology where people started to demand on their needs for applications used. This thesis proposes the implementation of human-computer interaction (HCI) specifically in design on mobile devices to conduct the SAR operations. The research was carried out to determine the appropriate HCI interface design parameters consists of the background colour, font colour, font type and font style with similar font size for usage in the mobile application, based on the usability measures of speed and accuracy of response. To evaluate the usability of mobile HCI application in this research, a User-Centered
Design (UCD) for mobile approach methodology is proposed involving three phases which are analysis, design and evaluation. Usability testing is selected to conduct the
evaluation experiments in an open area, assigning the 25 test participants selected amongst the cadets of the degree students of Computer Science at UPNM as clients by equipped them with an Android mobile devices and the evaluator to control the Windows server using a prototype design called HCI Test. The minimum brightness of mobile devices is set, and this experiment is conducted during the daylight, in
particular, under direct sunlight. From the results obtained, the best HCI design interface parameters either black background colour or white background colour is chosen as an appropriate HCI parameter to be applied in the mobile HCI application for SAR operation. In summary, the thesis proposes an HCI interface design that focuses on HCI parameter used in a mobile application for Search and Rescue (SAR) operation to provide an effective and efficient command and control (C2) process as well as can provide a better time management and reduce workforce usage in saving
human lives.