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DH1622 Human-Computer Interaction, Introductory Course 7.5 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-computer interaction 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.

Choose semester and course offering

Choose semester and course offering to see current information and more about the course, such as course syllabus, study period, and application information.

Application

For course offering

Autumn 2024 Start 26 Aug 2024 programme students

Application code

50124

Headings with content from the Course syllabus DH1622 (Autumn 2022–) are denoted with an asterisk ( )

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.

Literature and preparations

Specific prerequisites

No information inserted

Recommended prerequisites

No information inserted

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
  • TEN1 - Written exam, 1.5 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

Computer Science and Engineering

Education cycle

First cycle

Add-on studies

No information inserted

Supplementary information

In this course, the EECS code of honor applies, see:
http://www.kth.se/en/eecs/utbildning/hederskodex