Research Topics in Human-Computer Interaction

The aim of the course is to give an understanding of the current trends in HCI (Human-Computer Interaction) research. The students will gain knowledge about a range of advanced concepts and approaches related to analysis and design of interactive systems.

The course will introduce the students to a variety of modern interaction techniques, styles and paradigms, as well as main challenges for conducting interaction design activities, presented by new interactive technologies. An overview of key research on personal technologies, technology-enabled ecologies and habitats, and the "design turn" in HCI will be provided within the course. Main theoretical approaches in HCI, including activity theory, distributed cognition, and phenomenology, will be discussed and related to concrete research and development in the field.

A student who has completed the course should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student

• knows main issues and challenges in current HCI research, as well as new research problems.
• understands social implications of interactive technologies.

Skills

The student

• can discuss how HCI concepts and methods can be applied in analysis, design, and evaluation of interactive technologies.
• can plan and implement exploratory projects directed at envisioning and prototyping novel interactive artefacts.
• can work in a team to produce and evaluate prototypes of novel interactive artefacts.
• can work in a team to document the production and evaluation of novel interactive artefacts.
• can present and discuss central topics in the HCI field, both orally and in writing