Elective

2

Teaching Hours and Credit Allocation: 16 Hours, 3 ECTS

Course Assessment: Exam & Coursework

In today's world, computers and technology have become integral to nearly every aspect of human life. We live in an era where technology is omnipresent and we are called to interact with it. Nowadays machines predict and anticipate human needs, robotic systems are an integral part of everyday life, and humans’ abilities are technologically supported. Information will be communicated from one interaction counterpart to another ‘naturally’, while the digital world will coexist with and augment physical reality, resulting in hybrid worlds.

Interactive products, such as smartphones, remote controls, coffee machines, ticket machines, smart TVs, and wearable devices, are a fundamental part of modern life. Beyond functionality, these products must also be intuitive, engaging, and enjoyable to use. Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) is a multidisciplinary field that focuses on the design of computer technology and, particularly, on the interaction between humans (users) and computers. It draws from various disciplines, including graphic design, cognitive science, psychology, and education, making it essential to understand core concepts from non-computing fields as well.

The aim of the course is to familiarize the students with the foundational principles of HCI, Design, and User Experience (UX), providing them with the knowledge and tools to create user interactions that are intuitive, smooth, and enjoyable. Main topics include User Centered Design principles, methods and best practices, approaches to Conceptual Design, Visual design, Prototyping, User Testing, Data Analysis and Accessibility. Throughout the course, students will engage with material from research studies, previous coursework, and industry practices to ensure a well-rounded and up-to-date understanding of the field. Additionally, students will be introduced to a prototyping tool to help them put their knowledge into practice.