Introduction to Human-Computer Interaction

Teaching semester

Autumn

Objectives and Content

The course introduces students to analysis, design, and evaluation of the interaction between people and information and communication technologies. The aim is to give students an adequate understanding of the concepts of usability, user experience, and user-centered design. Special attention is given to understanding the lifecycle of interaction design with special emphasis on using qualitative and quantitative methods in establishing requirements and evaluating interactive technologies. Students will learn about current developments in the fields of interaction design and human-computer interaction.

Learning Outcomes

A student who has completed the course should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student

• knows a definition of interaction design and human-computer interaction.
• knows the concepts of usability, user experience and user-centered design.
• knows the lifecycle model of interaction design.
• has knowledge about different kinds of requirements.
• knows the key concepts and terms used in evaluation.
• has knowledge of different types of evaluation methods.

Skills

The student

• can outline and discuss usability goals and user experience goals for designing an interactive product
• can identify suitable methods for evaluating interactive technologies
• can identify suitable methods for establishing requirements
• can discuss the conceptual, practical, and ethical issues involved in evaluation
• can discuss the advantages and disadvantages of low-fidelity and hi-fidelity prototypes
• can produce simple prototypes of interactive products.

Required Previous Knowledge

None

Recommended Previous Knowledge

INFO100 or equivalent

Credit Reduction due to Course Overlap

INFO162 overlaps

• 10 ECTS with INFO262, INFO261 and INFO161
• 5 ECTS with MIX100

Access to the Course

Open

Teaching and learning methods

10-14 two-hour lectures, 10-14 two-hour seminars, group work, student presentations, and feedback on submitted assignments.

Compulsory Assignments and Attendance

• Compulsory assignments that must be completed and approved.
• Compulsory participation: Attendance at labs (at least 75%).

Approved compulsory requirements are valid for the two following semesters.

Update: In the autumn semester 2021, the requirement to attend 75% of the seminars will not apply due to the corona situation. However, it is highly recommended that students attend as much as possible.

Forms of Assessment

• Written exam, 3 hours (60 %)
• Group assignment (40 %)

Updated: Change of assessment form from written exam to tree-hour take home exam as part of the measures to limit the risk of corona infection. Group assignment as normal

Grading Scale

A-F

Assessment Semester

Assessment in teaching semester. Only students who have a valid document of absence will be entitled to take a new written exam the following semester.

Course Evaluation

All courses are evaluated according to UiB's system for quality assurance of education.