HCI-Human Computer Interaction

Introduction to the core premises of human-computer interaction (HCI), including major phases in the evolution of HCI. Issues covered include the origins of HCI and its transformation alongside the spread of computing technologies into the fabric of everyday life.

Introduction to design methods in human-computer interaction (HCI). Students gain mastery of ideation, sketching, prototyping, and other current methods used in HCI design practice.

Introductory build course that includes an introduction to hardware prototyping, introduction to programming, and introduction to soft electronics. Provides students with hardware/software skills that enable them to rapidly prototype interface concepts that include both physical and digital elements.

Advanced course on build methods in HCI. Includes hardware prototyping, advanced programming, and development of soft electronics systems. Provides students with existing technical competency the opportunity to produce robust physical-digital prototype systems.

Introduction to research and analysis methods in human-computer interaction (HCI). Introduces theoretical perspectives on HCI arising from cognitive science, sociology, and distributed cognition. Explores the key methods to apply and test these theories including: designing and conducting studies, statistics, analysis, heuristic evaluation, ethnography, interviews, surveys, field studies, and other established methods used by HCI practitioners.

Examines tech ethics/activism in design. Students discuss biases within tech at large and reflect on their values and biases in designing technology through coursework. Students learn the possibilities of political action as UX/HCI practitioners.

Introduces theoretical and practical knowledge on participatory design of digital technologies and related services. Applies participatory design methods and techniques in designing digital solutions and applications. Enables students to learn how to plan and manage a participatory design process, understanding their stakeholders and designing tools to engage them in the design process. Allows students to conduct various studies with their participants and engage in qualitative analysis of the results.

Teaches students how to form project teams, brainstorm, and iterate ideas for the capstone projects, culminating in approved briefs and project teams, including an approved committee of advisers for each project. Advisers may be local industry people (including industry partners who have proposed projects), or may also be UCSC faculty from the main campus.

The goal of this course is for students in the Professional Master's Degree in Human-Computer Interaction to produce successful capstone projects. The course is organized around iterative feedback from peers and project advisers (both academic and professional), and includes extensive workshopping, critique, and testing. The course culminates in an end-of-quarter showcase of student work, with all project advisers and project sponsors invited. Also includes professional development. (Formerly Capstone 2.)

Weekly speakers on human-computer interaction topics. Course can be taken for Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory credit only.