81934 - HUMAN COMPUTER INTERACTION

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student: understands the principles and methodologies for designing interaction systems with a computer system; understands theories and methodologies for evaluating interface usability; understands the principles and methodologies of User Experience and Experience Design.

Course contents

The course will focus on three key areas:

- Introduction to Human-Computer Interaction: Covering foundational models like Norman’s Model of Interaction and Abowd and Beale's interaction framework, along with tools, techniques, and environments for HCI.

- Human-Centered Interactive Application Development: Exploring tasks and methods for designing, developing, and evaluating interactive applications. Topics include needfinding strategies, prototyping (low- and high-fidelity), mental models, visual design, heuristic evaluation, and basics of user studies. This section emphasizes the design process, with students applying concepts to a specific application domain through a group project carried out during lab sessions.

- "Beyond Traditional Interaction" Paradigms: Investigating advanced interaction paradigms, such as AI-driven systems, tangible interaction, voice user interfaces, and gesture-based interaction. These topics will be explored from multiple perspectives, including their rationale, vision, contemporary examples, and associated development tools.

Readings/Bibliography

- Alan Dix, Janet Finlay, Gregory Abowd, Russell Beale: Human Computer Interaction, 3rd Edition, Prentice Hall, 2004, ISBN 0130461091

- Shneiderman, Plaisant, Cohen, Jacobs, Elmqvist and Diakopoulos: Designing the User Interface: Strategies for Effective Human-Computer Interaction, 6th Edition, Pearson, 2016, ISBN 013438038X / 9780134380384

Teaching methods

Lectures and practical activities in lab.

Given the type of activity and teaching methods adopted, attendance at this training activity requires all students to first participate in the e-learning training modules on workplace safety.

Assessment methods

The exam requires students to develop and present their group project. Projects will be discussed and refined throughout the course laboratories.

Submission and Presentation:
• Groups must submit their project at least seven days before the exam date. The final project will be discussed in an oral session, during which all group members must be present.
• Alongside the group project, students will answer a few individual oral questions.

Submission Requirements:

The materials to be submitted for the exam include:
a) A detailed report describing the group project.
b) A short presentation that will drive the group oral discussion.

Assessment:
Students will demonstrate their acquired skills and knowledge through the group project and oral discussion (including an individual part).

Grades are based on a scale of 0 to 30, distributed as follows:
• Project and oral discussion: Up to 24 points.
• Individual oral part: Up to 6 points.

Additional points (up to 2) may be awarded for:
• Exceptional originality, complexity, or richness of the project.
• Effort shown during labs and feedback sessions.
• High-quality oral discussion.

These extra points can raise the grade to 30L.

Evaluation Criteria:
• Effort invested in the project.
• Originality, complexity, and depth of the work.
• Methodological and technical accuracy.
• Completeness and clarity of deliverables.
• Quality of presentation and oral discussion.

Teaching tools

Slides and didactic materials will be delivered through Virtuale, the official e-learning platform.

Office hours

See the website of Catia Prandi