Interaction Design (ID) is defined as designing interactive products to support people in their everyday and working lives. This entails creating user experiences that enhance and extend the way people work, communicate and interact. ID extends the focus of Human–Computer Interaction (HCI) beyond designing computer systems for a single user sitting in front of a single machine. One of the central challenges is to keep abreast of technological development, to understand the usability issues associated with these and to use this understanding to ensure that technology is harnessed for maximum human benefit. This subject focuses on user-centred approaches to, and methods for, technology design. It provides students with an understanding of the principles of Interaction Design as well as concepts, tools and techniques that can assist in the creation of both useful and usable technology that supports users' activities. The subject introduces both the social and the technological aspects of Interaction Design as well as usability design and evaluation methods.
Autumn semester, City campus