Introduction to the Human-Computer Interaction WiSe 2024/25

Lectures

• Thursday, 11:00 - 13:00
• Friday, 9:00 - 11:00

Exercises

• Thursday, 13:00 - 15:00

Explore the principles and foundations of interaction between humans and technology. This course introduces students to the fundamental models, methods, and concepts of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and provides an overview of user interface design, development, and evaluation.

Through theoretical lectures and practical exercises, students will learn how to design user-centered systems, understand human cognitive and perceptual processes, and evaluate interactive technologies across different contexts — from desktop applications to mobile devices, embedded systems, and intelligent environments.

The course is divided into a theoretical lecture part and a practical exercise part:

Theoretical part (lectures)

• introduction to the history and foundations of HCI
• models, concepts, and principles for designing user-friendly interfaces
• understanding human information processing, perception, and motor behavior
• interaction styles, metaphors, standards, and design guidelines
• input and output devices, interaction design space, and interface architectures
• methods and tools for analysis, design, and implementation of interactive systems

Practical part (exercises)

• prototyping and implementation of interactive systems
• user-centered design and usability evaluation exercises
• small design and development projects in individual or group work
• hands-on experience with interface design tools and evaluation methods

Required work for credit points(Leistungspunkte) and examination admission:

• Complete min of 50% of all exersises to access the exam
• Written examination

After completing the module, students can:

• explain key concepts, principles, and models of Human-Computer Interaction
• apply user-centered design principles in interface development
• describe and analyze human perceptual and cognitive capabilities relevant to interaction
• identify and apply common interaction techniques and design guidelines
• prototype and evaluate interactive systems using appropriate methods and tools
• critically assess usability and user experience aspects of interfaces
• understand the role of HCI in the broader context of computer science and society

This course may be taken by the following majors:

• Computer Science (Bachelor Of Science)
• Computer Science (Bachelor Of Art)
• Computer Science, Maths, and Physics (Bachelor Of Science)
• Information Management and Information Technology (Bachelor of Science)
• Computer Science (Bachelor Of Science /Arts, with teaching option)

Instructors:

• Kosch, Thomas
• Katins, Christopher