HCI 2013

ROASS - COMP 3020, FALL 2013, Human-Computer Interaction 1

brief description

This course provides an introduction to human-computer interaction, the processes, problems, and methods surrounding designing and creating interfaces for human use.

long description

As computer scientists we are often placed in a position where we need to design and implement computer systems to solve problems. Not only are we often tasked with creating interfaces for these systems (e.g., a windows form, a webpage, etc.), but our role in the creation of the system itself often involves and impacts people: how will that new smart phone fit into people's routines? How will that digital calendar work with how a family understands a calendar? How will the whole family -- from children to grandchildren -- use and understand that new digital picture frame? Anytime we develop new technologies that people have to interact with and use, there is a mindfield of bad design possibilities, resulting in technologies that are hard to use, frustrating and annoying, and even not useful. Practically speaking, bad interfaces can result in higher-stressed and less efficient people, so it is an important consideration.

The general outline of this course is:

  • learning how to think about the user and not focus on the technology
  • prototyping and exploring new interface ideas
  • evaluating and testing interfaces

NOTE: this is an intense course with a lot of work and high expectations

learning objectives

By the end of this course, you should

  • understand and have practiced several methods for designing effective interfaces
  • understand how to ground designs in reality (and bypass your preconceived biases)
  • understand how to evaluate interface quality
  • have sufficient background to apply your training in industry or research

evaluation

  • Class participation: 10% (by random attendance)
  • Assignments: 10%
  • Project: 40%
  • Mid-term: 15% IN CLASS on Oct 23
  • Final: 25%

You MUST obtain a 50% or higher in each component to pass the course. Yup, 30% on attendance lands you an F.

Grading and Hand-In Policy

assignments

invited talks

these are testable!

  • Corey King, ZenFri - Industry Talk Nov 15th
  • Andrea Bunt, UofM - Research Talk Nov 29th