Why the Human is first in Human-Computer Interaction
For computer scientists, the word design is too often used exclusively in the context of code and architecture. The result of this narrow perspective is that engineers have a habit of building complex, intricate products that are wonderfully functional, but never used. When they are used, neglecting people in your design can lead to unexpected consequences that range from clumsiness to discrimination for individuals, groups, or cultures.
In this course, we will study both people and technology to understand the behavior that computers encourage or constrain. Through a variety of modalities (3D user interfaces, visualization, coding playgrounds, etc), we will deliberately practice processes that result in useful, usable, and maybe even inspirational computer interfaces.
- Who: Prof. Charlie Roberts
- Where: Salisbury Labs, 402
- When: 6:00–7:50, T-Th
- Teaching Assistants: Joshua Bloom & Erden Oktay
- Email Contact: cs3041-staff@cs.wpi.edu
Resources
Designing
For examples of student work, see the CSCI379 publication page at Bucknell HCI’s Medium
- Good Design, Bad Design -> submit | Due 10/25, 5:59 PM
- Design for Others -> submit | Due 11/8, 5:59 PM
- Design for Understanding ->
- Initial Prototype Due 11/13, 5:59 PM
- Final Prototype Due 11/15, 5:59 PM
- Design Reflection Due 11/20, 11:59 PM submit
- Design for Tension ->
- Final Prototype Due 11/27, 5:59 PM
- Design Reflection Due 11/29, 5:59 PM submit
- Design for Wellbeing ->
- Final Prototype Due 12/4, 5:59 PM
- Design Reflection Due 12/6, 5:59 PM submit
- Design for Another World ->
- Initial Prototypes Due 12/6, 5:59 PM
- Final Prototypes Due 12/13, 5:59 PM
- Design Reflection Due 12/14, 11:59 PM submit
Final Project (Individual):** Design Manifesto | submit _Due at 11:59 PM on 12/14 ->
Attribution
This course is adapted from Prof. Lane Harrison’s class at WPI, which was in turn adapted from Prof. Evan Peck’s HCI course at Bucknell University. Thanks to Lane & Evan for making these materials available!