CSCI 425

Human Computer Interaction

Coordinator: Stephanie Schwartz

Credits: 4.0

Description

Design, evaluation and implementation of interactive computing systems for human use including study of the major phenomena surrounding them. Presents a broad overview of the field with an emphasis on interface development and evaluation.

Prerequisites

C- or better in CSCI 362; CSCI 380 recommended.

Sample Textbooks

Course Outcomes

  1. A general understanding of basic concepts in human-computer interaction
  2. Analysis of real user interface needs for concrete software systems
  3. Experience in interfacing a wide variety of input and output devices
  4. Design of user interfaces with a strong focus on the visual aspects of information presentation
  5. Implementation of interfaces using tools such as the World Wide Web
  6. Appreciation of interface evaluation issues
  7. An understanding of the cognitive psychology issues engendered in HCI
  8. Exposure to HCI research, both past and current.

Major Topics Covered

  1. What is Interaction Design?
    1. Good and poor design
    2. The user experience
    3. The process of interaction design
  2. Understanding and Conceptualizing Interaction
    1. Understanding the problem space
    2. Conceptual models
    3. Interface metaphors
    4. Interaction types
  3. Cognitive Aspects
    1. What is cognition?
    2. Cognitive frameworks
  4. Social Interaction
    1. Face-to-face conversations
    2. Remote conversations
    3. Emergent social phenomena
  5. Emotional Interaction
    1. Emotions and user experiences
    2. Expressive interfaces
    3. Frustrating interfaces
    4. Persuasive technologies
  6. Interfaces
    1. Interface types
    2. Natural user interfaces
  7. Data Gathering
    1. Key issues
    2. Data recording
    3. Interviews
    4. Questionnaires
    5. Observations
  8. Data Analysis, Interpretation, and Presentation
    1. Qualitative vs quantitative
    2. Tools to support data analysis
    3. Presentation of findings
  9. The Process of Interaction Design
  10. Establishing Requirements
    1. What, how, why?
    2. What are requirements?
    3. Data gathering for requirements
    4. Task description and analysis
  11. Design, Prototyping, and Construction
    1. Prototyping and construction
    2. Conceptual designs
    3. Physical Designs

Sample Laboratory Projects