Course syllabus

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The schedule

Course plan of GU

Course specific prerequisites

No specific courses are mandatory, but general knowledge in computer science is necessary and in addition experience with using computers is required. Those that have taken the mandatory courses in computer science have met the required prior knowledge.

Aim

In human-computer interaction the main objective is to perform user study, establish requirements, design and evaluate interactive computer-based systems and products. The purpose of this course is to give the student basic knowledge about human-computer interaction. It will discuss how to understand human cognition and human perspective by working with computers. Designing interactive computer systems to be efficient, easy, and enjoyable to use is important. The course will cover a broad knowledge regarding the human-friendly interface design.

Learning outcomes (after completion of the course the student should be able to)

Knowledge and understanding

  • Plan and carry out the basic user studies
  • Describe stages of the design process
  • Describe methods for working with human-computer interaction
  • Describe the similarities and differences of designing for different user groups
  • Describe considerations for involving users in the design process

 Skills and abilities

  • Create designs specifically adapted for certain user groups
  • Design with regards to users
  • Modify design methods to fit the context and needs of users
  • Identify needs and requirements for users

Judgement and approach

  • Analyze designs taking into account the needs of users
  • Make an informed evaluation of the ethical and societal impacts of a design
  • Criticize designs and design processes with respect to the needs of users

Content

Human-computer interaction (HCI) is a discipline concerned with the design, evaluation and implementation of interactive computing systems for human use and with the study of major phenomena surrounding them. In human-computer interaction the main objective is to perform analysis, establish requirements, design and evaluate interactive computer-based systems and products with respect to the user. The purpose of this course is to give the student basic knowledge about human cognition and relevant methodology. The course will cover broad knowledge regarding designing interactive computer systems and interface design.

Improvements of this course (with reference to previous time it was given)

  • To create a good connection between exercises, projects and examination, some teachers are involved in all of these activities.
  • The schedule has been improved by clarifying the link between textbook chapters and lectures.
  • There is no longer any link between guest lectures and textbook chapters
  • For the first time this year, course participants are offered peer review sessions to support each other in the project.
  • The examination is still held as an individual literature exam (Exam 1 - Theory)  and one individual practical exam (Exam 2 - Practice). This was not changed from previous year, as it was discussed as the best solution, considering both the schedule and the overall set up of the course.

Organisation

The course is based on lectures, exercises, project, and an individual exam.

Literature

Jenny Preece, Helen Sharp, Yvonne Rogers. (2015): Interaction Design: Beyond Human-Computer Interaction. John Wiley & Sons. Edition 4. ISBN:978-1-119-08879-0
Avilable in Cremona.

Some guest lectures with separate materials will be provided during lectures.

Course Modalities

The course will require active participation in lectures and exercises.

Participants of the course are strongly encouraged to actively attend the scheduled lectures. Some of the important information and discussion will be given in the lectures only. Participants are strongly recommended to read the textbook's respective chapter(s) before the corresponding lecture, see schedule for reading list.

There will be 4 exercises in total. For each participant, physical presence and active participation in all 4 exercises is compulsory. Exercises will be handed out at the beginning of each exercise session. For all exercises, each group must hand in an written exercise report in English.

Examination

The final grading [U, 3/4/5 or G/VG] will be based on:

- Home exam: 4,5 ECTS (graded)
- Exercises & project: 3 ECTS (pass / no pass)

The home exam will be divided in two parts:
- The first exam covers the course literature, and you have four hours to complete it.
- The second part covers the project and applied theory in the exam week, and you have for 72 hours to complete it.
Exercises, project and home exam should be submitted as a pdf in Canvas.

Final grading CTH:
U: 0 - 15p or U on all exercises and the project
3: 16 - 24p and G all exercises and the project
4: 25 - 30p and G all exercises and the project
5: 31 - 36p and G all exercises and the project

Final grading GU students:
U: 0 - 15p or U on all exercises and the project
G: 16 - 29p and G on all exercises and the project
VG: 30 - 36p and G on all exercises and the project

You do not have to sign up for the exam.

In case the student fails the report they must write a new report. The final grade for the course is based on the score for the individual report.

 

Teachers
Course responsible:

Teachers:

Teaching assistants (TAs):

Student representatives:

Course summary:

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