Human interface device

nounStandard termTelecom & IT

A hardware component that lets a person input data to or receive output from a computer.

A human interface device is a type of computer peripheral that takes input from humans or delivers output to them. The USB standard includes a specific device class for these peripherals, ensuring that operating systems can recognize them without requiring custom drivers. Keyboards, mice, game controllers, and touchscreens all fall under this category.

Heard on the job

The new firmware broke the USB stack, so the system isn't recognizing any human interface device plugged into the front ports.

Also heard as

  • HID