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 course on build methods in HCI for students with minimal prototyping experience. Course covers a combination of HCI theory and practice to design, build, deploy, iterate, document, and demo novel prototypes of varying purpose to multiple stakeholders. Topics may include paper prototyping, HTML prototyping, mobile app prototyping, introductions to physical prototyping, and accessible designs. (Formerly offered as Introduction to HCI Build: Bootcamp.)
Advanced course on build methods in HCI, applicable to any computing domain including gaming. Course covers a combination of HCI theory and practice to design, build, deploy, iterate, document, and demo novel prototypes of varying purpose to multiple stakeholders. Advanced topics may include physical computing, input devices (e.g., alternative controllers), wearable computing, IoT, AR, VR, 3D fabrication, programmatic wireframing, and accessible designs. May be taught in conjunction with
GAME 202. Students cannot receive credit for this course and
GAME 202. (Formerly offered as Introduction to Build: Advanced.)
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 through the lens of design. Students discuss biases within tech and reflect on the role of UX/HCI practitioners through coursework and activities. 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.