Modality (human–computer interaction)

In the context of human–computer interaction, a modality is the classification of a single independent channel of sensory input/output between a computer and a human.^[1] Modalities are defined in two forms: human-computer and computer-human modalities.

In human–computer interaction, a modality is the general class of:

A sense through which a human can receive output from a computer
A sensor or device through which a computer can receive input from a human

In less formal terms, a modality is a path of communication between the human and the computer.

When multiple modalities are available for some tasks or parts of tasks, the system is said to have overlapping modalities. When multiple modalities are available for all tasks, the system is said to have redundant modalities.

Having too many modalities for a particular task is not a smart idea, however if you do not have enough modalities that will not be good as well.^{[citation needed]}

Computer–Human Modalities

Any human sense can used as a computer to human modality. However, the modalities of seeing and hearing are the most commonly employed since they provide information at a higher speed than other modalities^{[citation needed]}. The following are examples of modalities through which a computer could send information to a human:

Common modalities

Uncommon modalities
- Gustation (taste)
- Olfaction (smell)
- Thermoception (heat)
- Nociception (pain)
- Equilibrioception (balance)

Examples

Vision

The most commonly encountered visual modality is the electronic visual display found in televisions, computers, clocks, etc.

Audition

Haptics

Human–Computer Modalities

The computer can be equipped with various types of input devices and sensors to allow it to receive information from the human.