About the Course

During the course of Designing Human-computer Interaction of Applications participants will learn how to design solutions that enable users for their convenient use, rather than frustration.
First of all students will gain key knowledge about foundations and principles of human-computer interaction that serves as a theoretical basis. Then moving rapidly to practical aspects of human-computer interaction students will learn why concentrating on users’ tasks and not only on system functionality is so important and how to adapt this approach in practise.
During next modules course’s participants will learn techniques for rapid prototyping and evaluating multiple interface alternatives. They will gain knowledge and skills how to conduct fieldwork with people to help to get design ideas. Participant will learn principles of visual design so that they can effectively organize and present information with their interfaces.
Proper design of user interface of application requires wide knowledge about available solutions for creating interfaces. Therefore an important part of the course is a review of components for designing and building visual interfaces, such as: graphical screen design, interface design and physical devices for users. As there are a few types of applications that can be designed, participants will learn specifics of Designing Human-Computer Interaction for desktop, web (including HTML5), mobile and hybrid applications.
The course finishes with presenting future of HCI – concepts, prototypes or preliminary solutions that will probably make HCI even more convenient. Such ones are: bending screen, hologram screen, projected keyboard and many others.

Course Syllabus

1. Foundations and principles of Human Computer Interaction
1. Foundations
2. History
3. Principles and Theories
2. Understanding users and their tasks
1. Task-centered system design
2. High level models of human behavior
3. Designing with the user
1. Sketchbook
2. User centered design and Prototyping
4. Designing and building visual interfaces
1. Psychology of everyday things
2. Beyond screen design
3. Graphical screen design
4. Interface design
5. Physical User Interfaces
5. Quality of UI
1. Quality of Service
2. Evaluating Interfaces with Users: Qualitative Methods
3. Evaluating Interfaces with Users: Controlled Experiments
6. HCI for technologies
1. Web applications
2. Desktop applications
3. Mobile applications
7. Future of HCI

Recommended background

Although no background is required, it is recommended to have experience in using various types of applications: desktop, web and mobile.

Suggested readings

The students are invited to develop their knowledge and skills with books presenting different aspects of HCI:

Shneiderman B., Plaisant C., Cohen M., Jacobs S., Designing the User Interface: Strategies for Effective Human-Computer Interaction, 5/E, 2010.

Nielsen J., PerniceK. , Eyetracking Web Usability, 2010

Budiu R., Nielsen J., Mobile Usability, 2013.

Course format

The class consists of lectures as reading material enriched with interactions, animations, and webcasts. There are also self-assignments at the end of each module.

FAQ

Q: Will I get a Statement of Accomplishment after completing this class?

A: No.

Q: Can I get an early start on the readings?

A: Yes. The course can be started at any time, and has not timeframe.

Q: What else can I do to prepare for the course?

A: No preparation is needed, but you're welcome to read the article Review and Analysis of Human Computer Interaction (HCI) Principles (http://arxiv.org/ftp/arxiv/papers/0707/0707.3638.pdf)