Related Courses

Intro to HCI (COMPSC 325)
Human-Computer Interaction design is “design for human use”. Computers are a ubiquitous part of many interactions in our lives, from the mundane everydayness of light switches and “smart” vending machines to entertainment and education to sophisticated instruments and complex energy and defense systems. In this course, we will challenge you to broaden your grasp of what a user interface can and should be, and try your hand at doing better yourself. It is a fast-paced, hands-on, project-based experience that will challenge many of your ideas of what computer science is and can be. It is designed around active lecture sessions supported by readings, working classes, and team projects, where students practice and explore the concepts introduced in lecture, and go well beyond them to learn and apply HCI techniques that build into group projects. More specifically, the course adopts a human-centered design (HCD) approach and teaches a highly iterative process called design thinking. The design thinking process draws heavily on the fundamentals of human-computer interaction (HCI) methods. I also cover design methodologies, evaluation methodologies (both quantitative and qualitative), human information processing, cognition, and perception.

Data Visualization and Exploration (COMPSCI 590V)
Information visualization is an area of research that helps people analyze and understand data using visualization techniques. The multi-disciplinary area draws from other areas of science, including human-computer interaction, data science, psychology, and art, to develop new visualization methods and understand how (and why) they are effective. In this course, students will learn the principles of information visualization, understand which visualizations are appropriate for different contexts, and learn how to implement and critique information visualizations.

Digital Civics (COMPSCI 592C)
In this course, students will learn key concepts and background on HCI for digital civics, read and discuss key papers, case studies and digital civics systems that question conventional models of public participation. Students will present papers, participate in group discussions, and carry out research projects in teams.

Advanced Methods in HCI (COMPSCI 690A)
This is an advanced course in Human-Computer Interaction. This course will provide a deeper treatment of some topics that are typically found in an undergraduate HCI course. For example, design methodologies, evaluation methodologies (both quantitative and qualitative), human information processing, cognition, and perception. This course will also introduce students to research frontiers in HCI. The course will cover topics of Universal Usability, CSCW, Digital Civics and fundamentals of designing interactive technology for people.

Computing for the Common Good (COMPSCI 692M)
Computing for the common good is a seminar course that explores new ways of utilizing computational technology for improving the quality of life and humans condition as well as making a positive impact on society. It allows students to apply computing to social and global causes such as democratic decision making, climate change, health, education, urban design, transportation, infrastructure, and civic engagement. In this course, students will read and discuss the state of the art papers, participate in group discussions, and carry out research projects that address real-world problems.