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.
assignments
- In-class technology quizzes (as per bottom of project page)
- HTML Sept 30
- CSS Oct 7
- JavaScript Oct 16
- jQuery Oct 21
- Assignment 1 (5%) DUE SEPT 27
- Assignment 2 (5%) DUE OCT 11
- Project details
- P1: DUE OCT 16
- P2: DUE OCT 30
- P3: DUE NOV 13
- P4: DUE DEC 4
invited talks
these are testable!
- Corey King, ZenFri - Industry Talk Nov 15th
- Andrea Bunt, UofM - Research Talk Nov 29th