Optional in stage
First term
Both terms
Not organised
This year
Next year
Alternating years
External
Prerequisites
Identical coursesIntroduction to Human-Computer Interaction (B-KUL-T3WHC2)
Cannot be taken as part of an examination contract
Vanden Abeele Vero (coordinator) | Vanden Abeele Vero | N. | Vargemidis Dimitri (substitute) | Malfait Ingmar (cooperator) Aims
The objective of this OPO is to provide students with both theoretical knowledge and practical understanding of the basic principles of designing user-friendly and enticing user interfaces and interactive technology at large. To this end, the course introduces the basics of human perception, cognition, learning, and the larger context-of-use, as it relates to the design and implementation of interactive computing systems. Additionally, different research methods will be introduced for designing and evaluating user interfaces, such as model-based evaluations, expert reviews, and formative/summative usability evaluations. To this end, students also learn to use rapid prototyping tools for user interactions.
Learning outcomes
- K1: Basic scientific and disciplinary knowledge and insight
- G1: Acquisition and processing of information
- G2: Communicating with peers and non-peers
- G3: Critical reflection
- G5: Professionalism
- I1: Analyzing and solving problems
- I2: Design and/or development
- I3: Application-oriented investigations
- I4: Ethical conduct
Explanation
- Students have insight in and can explain the basic models, theories, and methods in the field of human-computer interaction (K1);
- Students can think creatively and design solutions, applying the concepts and methods learned (K1, I1, I2);
- Students can design and prototype user interfaces in the various stages, using professionals tools in the field of human-computer interaction and user experience design (K1,I1, I2);
- Students understand user needs of different user groups, and can reflect on the usability and accessibility of different solutions and take an ethical stance (I3, I4);
- Students can critically evaluate their solutions using different methods in the field of human-computer interaction and user experience design, and report on their work in a professional manner (G2, G3, G5)
Order of Enrolment
This course unit is a prerequisite for taking the following course units:
T4VRD2 : R&D Experience
Identical courses
This course is identical to the following courses:
T3WHC1 : Inleiding tot mens-computerinteractie
Is included in these courses of study
- Preparatory Programme: Master of Electronics and ICT Engineering Technology (Leuven) 60 ects.
- Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Leuven) (Option Smart Electronics and Software) 180 ects.
- Bachelor of Engineering Technology, 2+2 Module (Leuven) (Option Smart Electronics and Software) 180 ects.
Activities
1 ects. Introduction to Human-Computer Interaction: Lecture (B-KUL-T3hHC2)
Content
The content of the lectures discusses the following topics:
The relevance of Human-Computer Interaction: An introduction to the discipline, its core theories, concepts, and principles
Stages of action and the importance of conceptual models and other principles of good design
Humans as information processors, modes and the importance of the locus of attention, information architectures, and navigation flows
Modeling human cognition and interactions
Human-centered design processes and methods to understand users, tasks & context
Humans as actors: theories and methods that address the influence of others in the interaction
Ergonomics, movement, and input devices
Ergonomics, sensation, perception, and output devices
Interaction paradigms, interaction styles, and user interface technologies
Human-centered Design Processes, methods, and tools
Course material
Available on TOLEDO:
- Recorded video lectures and guest lectures
- Selected websites and videos
- Research articles and blog posts
Format: more information
No absences will be taken. However, students are expected to either attend the lectures or watch the online lectures, before the associated exercise sessions.
2 ects. Introduction to Human-Computer Interaction: Exercise Session (B-KUL-T3oHC2)
EnglishFormat: Assignment
20 
Second termVanden Abeele Vero | N. | Vargemidis Dimitri (substitute) | Malfait Ingmar (cooperator) Content
During the exercise sessions assignments will be given as listed below. Students will be guided during the exercise sessions.
- Rapid prototyping of user interaction
- Expert-based usability inspection of an interface
- Designing interaction flows and information architectures
- Applying model-based evaluations to quantify the interaction
- Designing personas and scenarios
- Drafting customer journeys
- Experimental evaluation of accuracy/speed of input devices
- Evaluating interfaces based on accessibility guidelines
- Qualitative research methods in HCI: formative evaluation of user interfaces, including a think-aloud protocol
- Quantitative research methods in HCI: summative usability evaluation of an interface including surveys
Course material
- Lecture recordings, exercise files and handouts for the exercise sessions
- Selected articles, websites, and additional videos
Format: more information
Individual assignment - Report - Skills training
Students will be guided during the exercise sessions and should attempt to complete the assignments during the exercise session.
Evaluation
Evaluation: Introduction to Human-Computer Interaction (B-KUL-T72265)
Explanation
1. Calculation of the final mark
This course contains only one published component mark. Consequently, this component mark is the final mark.
The only exception to this rule is described in the complementary regulation of the Faculty of Engineering Technology to article 66 in the Regulations on Education and Examinations.
2. Calculation of published component figure
The single partial grade is determined based on two evaluation components: The evaluation components are the following.
Multiple-choice tests during the semester (24%)
Students need to attend the lecture or watch the online recording of the lecture before the exercise session. Therefore, each exercise session starts with a multiple-choice test that tests for the lecture's content. No extra material can be used, it is a closed-book, written (multiple-choice) test. Each test of the eight tests counts for 3% of the grade, hence, in total, all tests count for 24% of the final course score.
Written exam during examination period (76%)
The remainder of the score (76%) is based on a written examination during the examination period. This examination will include questions that are based on the assignments of the exercise sessions. These assignments (which may comprise several subtasks) help prepare for the written examination. Specific information for each assignment is provided during the lectures and/or exercise sessions and made available on the Toledo pages of the course.
Information about retaking exams
In case of a redo, the student has to retake the examination during the third examination period. This examination will poll for the knowledge of the lectures (multiple-choice), and include open questions that are based on the assignments of the exercise sessions.
The prior scores obtained on the multiple-choice tests during the semester are not transferred.