CS408 HUMAN COMPUTER INTERACTION

CS408: Human Computer Interaction

Human Computer Interaction (HCI) is a multidisciplinary field that focuses on the design and use of computer technology, with a specific emphasis on the interfaces between people (users) and computers. CS408 explores how to design, evaluate, and implement interactive computing systems that are useful, usable, and accessible to humans. This course bridges the gap between computer science, cognitive psychology, and design.

The central theme of this course is user-centered design (UCD), a design philosophy that places the user's needs, goals, and limitations at the forefront of the entire development process. You will learn that a technically functional system can fail if it is not designed with the user in mind. We will cover a range of methodologies for understanding users, prototyping designs, and evaluating the usability of a system.

Key Topics Covered:

• Foundations of HCI: The history, goals, and multidisciplinary nature of Human-Computer Interaction. Understanding human information processing, including perception, memory, and cognition.
• User-Centered Design (UCD): An in-depth look at the iterative UCD lifecycle, including user research, requirements gathering, persona creation, and scenario development.
• Design Principles and Guidelines: Learning established design principles (e.g., visibility, feedback, consistency), heuristics (like Nielsen's Heuristics), and accessibility guidelines (WCAG) to create effective interfaces.
• Prototyping Techniques: Creating and testing design ideas at different levels of fidelity, from low-fidelity paper prototypes and wireframes to high-fidelity interactive mockups.
• Usability Engineering and Evaluation: Planning and conducting usability tests (both formative and summative), expert reviews (heuristic evaluation, cognitive walkthroughs), and analyzing user feedback.
• Interaction Styles: Examining different ways users interact with computers, including command-line, menus, direct manipulation, and modern paradigms like voice and gestural interfaces.

Course Objectives:

1. Understand the fundamental concepts, principles, and models of Human-Computer Interaction.
2. Apply user-centered design methodologies to all phases of the software development lifecycle.
3. Design and prototype user interfaces that are intuitive, efficient, and enjoyable to use.
4. Conduct effective usability evaluations to identify and fix design flaws.
5. Appreciate the importance of accessibility and ethical considerations in design.

By completing CS408, students will be able to advocate for the user and contribute to the creation of technology that not only works, but works for people. These skills are invaluable in roles such as UI/UX design, product management, and front-end development.