Human Computer Interaction Course

Lesson 1 • Theoretical Frameworks in HCI

Introduces cognitive, activity, and distributed cognition theories. Students apply frameworks to explain user behavior in interactive systems.

Lesson 2 • Human Factors and Perception

Covers visual perception, attention, and memory as they apply to interface design. Connects human physiology to practical design constraints.

Lesson 3 • Core Concepts and Terminology

Defines usability, affordance, feedback, and mental models. These terms form the shared language used throughout the course.

Lesson 4 • Interdisciplinary Roots of HCI

Maps contributions from psychology, ergonomics, and computer science to HCI. Students understand why HCI requires cross-disciplinary thinking.

Lesson 1 • Creating User Personas and Scenarios

Guides construction of evidence-based personas and use scenarios from research data. Personas anchor design decisions to real user needs.

Lesson 2 • Synthesizing and Analyzing Research Data

Covers affinity diagramming, thematic analysis, and data triangulation. Students transform raw data into actionable design insights.

Lesson 3 • Research Planning and Ethics

Covers study design, participant recruitment, and ethical obligations. Ethical grounding ensures research integrity and participant safety.

Lesson 4 • Quantitative Research Methods

Introduces surveys, usage analytics, and controlled experiments. Quantitative methods provide measurable evidence for design decisions.

Lesson 1 • Designing for Learnability and Memorability

Addresses onboarding, discoverability, and consistent metaphors. Designs that are easy to learn reduce training costs and user frustration.

Lesson 2 • Design Principles for Interaction

Covers simplicity, hierarchy, proximity, and progressive disclosure. These principles guide layout and interaction flow decisions.

Lesson 3 • Interaction Patterns and Conventions

Introduces reusable interaction patterns for navigation, forms, and data display. Patterns reduce design effort and leverage user familiarity.

Lesson 4 • Designing for Error Prevention and Recovery

Focuses on constraints, confirmations, and undo mechanisms. Robust error handling protects users and builds trust in the system.

Lesson 1 • Designing Navigation Systems

Covers global, local, and contextual navigation patterns for complex systems. Effective navigation reduces disorientation and task completion time.

Lesson 2 • Fundamentals of Information Architecture

Defines IA components: organization, labeling, navigation, and search. Students understand how IA shapes the user's mental model of a system.

Lesson 3 • Card Sorting and Tree Testing

Teaches open and closed card sorting and tree testing for IA validation. These methods reveal how users categorize and locate content.

Lesson 4 • Evaluating and Iterating IA

Applies first-click testing and analytics to measure IA effectiveness. Iteration based on data ensures the architecture meets real user needs.

Lesson 1 • Wireframing and Mid-Fidelity Prototypes

Teaches wireframe creation for layout, hierarchy, and interaction flow. Wireframes bridge sketches and high-fidelity mockups efficiently.

Lesson 2 • Sketching and Low-Fidelity Prototyping

Covers rapid sketching, paper prototyping, and storyboarding techniques. Low-fidelity methods enable fast exploration before committing to digital tools.

Lesson 3 • Design Critique and Feedback Loops

Structures critique sessions and feedback integration into the design process. Systematic critique accelerates improvement and aligns team understanding.

Lesson 4 • High-Fidelity Interactive Prototyping

Builds clickable prototypes with realistic visuals and micro-interactions. High-fidelity prototypes enable meaningful usability testing with real users.

Lesson 1 • Analyzing and Reporting Usability Findings

Covers problem identification, severity classification, and stakeholder reporting. Clear reporting drives organizational action on usability improvements.

Lesson 2 • Conducting Moderated Usability Tests

Teaches think-aloud protocol, note-taking, and moderator neutrality. Skilled moderation surfaces genuine user difficulties without biasing behavior.

Lesson 3 • Usability Testing Planning

Covers test plan creation, task scenario writing, and participant selection. A well-planned test yields valid, actionable usability data.

Lesson 4 • Remote and Unmoderated Testing

Introduces remote moderated and unmoderated testing tools and trade-offs. Remote methods expand participant reach and reduce logistical costs.

Lesson 1 • Accessible Visual and Interaction Design

Addresses color contrast, typography, focus indicators, and keyboard navigation. Visual and interaction choices directly affect users with sensory or motor disabilities.

Lesson 2 • Principles of Inclusive Design

Introduces the spectrum of human diversity and the curb-cut effect. Inclusive design benefits all users, not only those with disabilities.

Lesson 3 • Web Accessibility Standards and Guidelines

Covers internationally recognized web accessibility guidelines and conformance levels. Standards provide a measurable baseline for accessible interface design.

Lesson 4 • Accessibility Auditing and Remediation

Teaches systematic auditing workflows and remediation prioritization. Students produce audit reports that guide development teams toward compliance.

Lesson 1 • Measuring and Communicating UX Value

Covers UX metrics, ROI frameworks, and executive communication strategies. Quantifying UX value secures organizational investment in design.

Lesson 2 • HCI in Complex and Safety-Critical Systems

Addresses HCI challenges in healthcare, aviation, and industrial control systems. High-stakes contexts demand rigorous error prevention and operator support.

Lesson 3 • Building and Leading HCI Teams

Addresses team structure, design operations, and cross-functional collaboration. Effective team leadership amplifies the impact of individual HCI expertise.

Lesson 4 • Designing for Emerging Interaction Modalities

Examines voice, gesture, AR, VR, and haptic interaction paradigms. Students assess when and how to apply each modality to real design problems.