Computers have evolved from batch processors towards highly interactive systems. This offers new possibilities but also challenges for the successful design of the interaction between human and computer.  Interactive system are socio-technical systems in which users perform tasks by interacting with technology in a specific context in order to achieve specified goals and outcomes.

This lecture introduces key concepts and principles of interactive systems from a human and computer perspective. Furthermore, it describes core development processes for interactive systems as well as provides insights on the use & contexts of interactive systems with a specific focus on selected application areas in organizations and society. With this lecture, students acquire foundational knowledge to successfully design of the interaction between human and computers in business and private life.

The course is complemented with a design capstone project, where students in a team apply design methods & techniques in order to create an interactive prototype

The students

• have a basic understanding of key conceptual and theoretical foundations of interactive systems from a human and computer perspective
• are aware of important design principles for the design of important classes of interactive systems
• know design processes and techniques for developing interactive systems
• know how to apply the knowledge and skills gathered in the lecture for a real-world problem (as part of design-oriented capstone project)

Prerequisites

No specific prerequisites are required for the lecture

Literature

Alan Dix, Janet E. Finlay, Gregory D. Abowd, and Russell Beale. 2003. Human-Computer Interaction (3rd Edition). Prentice-Hall, Inc., USA.

Further literature will be made available in the lecture.