Description:

The lecture introduces the fundamentals of human-computer communication. Upon completion of the module, students will have acquired basic knowledge of the field of human-computer interaction. They will have mastered the basic techniques for evaluating user interfaces, will be familiar with the basic rules and techniques for designing user interfaces, and will have knowledge of existing user interfaces and their functions. They will be able to apply these basic techniques, for example, to analyze user interfaces of computer systems and synthesize existing designs into alternative, better solutions.

Course content:

Topics covered include:

1. Human perception (physiological basics, human senses, Gestalt)
2. Human information processing (HIP models, psychological basics, action processes)
3. Design basics and design methods, principles, guidelines, and standards for designing user interfaces
4. Design analysis of human-computer interaction
5. Fundamentals and examples for the design of user interfaces and methods for modeling user interfaces
6. Studies: Evaluation of human-computer interaction systems (tools, evaluation methods, performance measurement, study design and implementation)
7. Practical application of the above fundamentals using practical examples and development of independent, new, and alternative user interfaces.

Workload

The total workload for this learning unit is approximately 180 hours (6.0 credits).

Activity

Workload

Attendance time: Attendance at lectures

15 x 90 min

22 h 30 min

Attendance time: Attendance at exercises

8 x 90 min

12 h 00 min

Preparation/follow-up for lectures

15 x 150 min

37 h 30 min

Preparation/follow-up for exercises

8 x 360 min

48 h 00 min

Reviewing the slide set/script 2 times

2 x 12 hours

24 hours

Preparing for the exam

36 hours

TOTAL

180 hours

Workload for the learning unit “Human-Machine Interaction”

Learning objectives

The lecture introduces the basics of human-machine communication. After completing the course, students will be able to

• demonstrate basic knowledge of the field of human-machine interaction
• name and apply basic techniques for analyzing user interfaces
• apply basic rules and techniques for designing user interfaces
• analyze and evaluate existing user interfaces and their functions

Language of instruction and language of examination:

The language of the lecture is English; exam questions are provided in English and German and may be answered in either English or German

David Benyon: Designing Interactive Systems: A Comprehensive Guide to HCI and Interaction Design. Addison-Wesley Educational Publishers Inc; 2nd Revised edition; ISBN-13: 978-0321435330

Steven Heim: The Resonant Interface: HCI Foundations for Interaction Design. Addison Wesley; ISBN-13: 978-0321375964

The lecture is a core module and is assessed in writing (written exam).