Headings denoted with an asterisk ( * ) is retrieved from the course syllabus version Autumn 2022
Content and learning outcomes
Course contents
Theoretical and practical overview of human preconditions and consequences of usage of interactive computer systems, as well as how usability design and user experience design can support the users in performing their tasks smoothly. The course will give an overview of behavioural science methods and theories as well as how they relate to use and design of interactive computer systems. Focus will, however, be on different forms of established practice in human computer interaction.
Intended learning outcomes
After passing the course, the student should be able to:
• explain basic concepts in the area of human computer interaction
• summarise the contents of research papers in the area
• explain and present design properties of interactive artifacts for different stakeholders
• carry out a smaller design project in a group (including basic project management)
• carry out a usability evaluation using an Inspection method (e.g. Heuristic Evaluation) of existing interactive computer systems
• carry out formative usability tests of own prototypes
• apply a creativity technique (e.g. Brainstorming)
• create paper prototypes and digital interactive prototypes
• apply general theoretical concepts on concrete interfaces
• based on a given design task discover and identify what characterises the intended target group and situation of usage
• identify and formulate usability requirements after completed field studies
• identify advantages and disadvantages of a specific interactive computer system based on the perspectives and needs of different user groups
• argue for and against different solutions of a usability problem
• reflect on the strengths and weaknesses of their own design based on literature and own evaluations
in order to
• get basic knowledge of fundamental concepts in the area of human computer interaction
• get tools to identify factors that influence the communication between human and computer positively and negatively
• experience design methods that support the development of useful systems.
Preparations before course start
Literature
Students are expected to:
Familiarise themselves with the course information and schedule available in Canvas.
Join a project team.
Ensure access to required software and digital learning platforms.
Read assigned course literature before lectures, tutorials, and seminars.
Additional mandatory readings are assigned throughout the course, including research papers used in the REFLECT examination. Students select one of the prescribed themes and read the associated papers. [Written Exam REFLECT | PDF], [Introducti...utumn 2026 | PDF]
Supplementary literature may be provided through Canvas during the course.
Support for students with disabilities
Students at KTH with a permanent disability can get support during studies from Funka:
TEN1 - Written exam, 1.5 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
INL1 - Homework, 6.0 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.
The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.
If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.
Grading criteria/assessment criteria
The course is examined through both group-based and individual assignments.
Assessment focuses on successful completion of the specified assignment requirements and active participation in the associated learning activities. [Introducti...utumn 2026 | PDF]
REFLECT
The written examination is assessed through four reflections, one for each of INFORM, STORM, CRAFT and EXPERIENCE.
Each reflection is graded according to the following principles:
Distinction (2 points): Demonstrates critical analysis based on research literature and identifies meaningful assumptions, strengths, weaknesses, or blind spots.
Pass (1 point): Makes relevant connections to the literature but shows limited critical reasoning.
Fail (0 points): Does not meaningfully apply the literature or does not fulfil the assignment requirements. [Written Exam REFLECT | PDF]
Final REFLECT grades are determined from the combined results across the four reflections. [Written Exam REFLECT | PDF]
Opportunity to complete the requirements via supplementary examination
Students who do not achieve a passing result on an assignment or examination component may complete the requirements during scheduled re-examination opportunities or according to instructions provided by the examiner.
The possibility of grade improvement follows KTH regulations and course-specific examination arrangements.
Alternatives to missed activities or tasks
For mandatory activities that are missed because of valid reasons, alternative assignments or compensation activities may be offered by the examiner.
Students who miss:
Tutorials,
Reading seminars,
Guest lectures,
Supervision sessions, or
Examination occasions
must contact the course responsible teacher as soon as possible to discuss alternative arrangements. [Introducti...utumn 2026 | PDF]
Reporting of exam results
Examination results are reported in accordance with KTH regulations through KTH's examination reporting systems.
Students can review their results through the university's student administration systems and Canvas. Information regarding examination feedback and result publication is communicated by the course team.
Ethical approach
All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.
