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.
DH1620 Human-Computer Interaction, Introductory Course 6.0 credits
This course will be discontinued.
Last planned examination: Spring 2024
Decision to discontinue this course:
The course will be discontinued at the end of Spring 2024, according to head of school's decision: J-2022-1592.
Decision date: 2022-10-25
The course was given for the last time in Spring 2022. The last opportunity for examination in the course is given in Spring 2024.
Students who intend to complete the course shall contact the examiner. To complete parts in the module INL1, students will be given replacement tasks, such as quizzes. If, on the other hand, the entire course is to be completed, the examiner may allow one of the following options:
- that one completes an individual project that is specified to cover the learning objectives of the course
- that one reads DH1623 and DH1624, but does not take the exam on DH1623 for 1.5 credits.
This introductory Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) course presents an overview of human prerequisites and consequences of using information technology as a tool for solving tasks. User interface design is a central part of making an adequate cooperation between humans and technology, but there are few ready to use solutions. Even if interface design is generally associated with human-computerinteraction there are many other issues that are equally important. The course will present methods that help the designer to elicit user requirements and structure the design process with a focus on the users. Above all the course will emphasize the importance of paying attention to user needs, motivation and context in order to design usable systems.
Course offerings are missing for current or upcoming semesters.
Headings with content from the Course syllabus DH1620 (Autumn 2022–) are denoted with an asterisk ( )
Content and learning outcomes
Course contents
Intended learning outcomes
After passing the course, the student should be able to:
- explain basic concepts in the field of HCI
- 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 simple project management)
- carry out 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 or similar
- 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
- meet design methods that support the development of useful systems.
Literature and preparations
Specific prerequisites
No information inserted
Recommended prerequisites
The course Introduction to Computer Science DD1341 or corresponding.
Equipment
No information inserted
Literature
No information inserted
Examination and completion
If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.
Grading scale
A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
Examination
- 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.
Opportunity to complete the requirements via supplementary examination
No information inserted
Opportunity to raise an approved grade via renewed examination
No information inserted
Examiner
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.
Further information
Course room in Canvas
Registered students find further information about the implementation of the course in the course room in Canvas. A link to the course room can be found under the tab Studies in the Personal menu at the start of the course.
Offered by
Main field of study
Technology
Education cycle
First cycle
Add-on studies
No information inserted
Contact
Patric Dahlqvist (patricd@kth.se)
Transitional regulations
Students who have not completed the course with an earlier set of assessing modules are examined through supplementary tasks during a period of two years.