Human-Computer

Interaction
Ali Harris (Fall 2020)
Lecture # 1: Course Introduction
What will be covered today…

✓ Introducing Ourselves
✓ Course Introduction
✓ Course Pre-requisite
✓ Course Objectives
✓ Learning Outcomes
✓ Course Policies
✓ Grading Criteria
✓ Introduction to Human-Computer Interaction
Your Instructor

Mr. Ali Harris (Lecturer)

 MS(CS) from ITU Lahore
 BS(CS) from GCU Lahore
 Email:
 ali.harris@umt.edu.pk
 Office:
 Office @ STD 401 (first Cabin on Right)
I need to know you as well…

 Start by Raising your hand!

 Your name and city?
 Your favorite subject studied?
 The most difficult subject for you so
far?
 Problems faced in Spring 2020 semester?
 What do you expect from this course!
Course Introduction

 “the study of the interaction between people, computers

and tasks” (Johnson)
 “a very difficult business. It combines two awkward
disciplines: psychology and computer science”
(Thimbleby)
 “The ideal designer of an interactive system would have
expertise in … psychology … cognitive science …
ergonomics … sociology … computer science …
engineering … business … graphic design … technical
writing … and so it goes on” (Dix et. al)
What is in this course?

 This course provides an introduction to and overview of

the field of Human-Computer Interaction. HCI is an
interdisciplinary field that integrates theories and
methodologies from computer science, psychology, design,
and many other areas.
 This course will span current theory and practice in
interface specification, design and evaluation, as well as
current and classic research in HCI.
 This course covers the principles of human-computer
interaction and the design and evaluation of user
interfaces.
Course Pre-requisites

 Programming Fundamentals

 Software Engineering

 Any Development Technology

Course Objectives

 Describe and apply user-centered design methods to

conduct formative and summative evaluations.
 Explain and apply core theories and models from the field
of HCI.
 Design and implement useful, usable, and engaging
graphical computer interfaces.
 Describe special considerations in designing user
interfaces for wellness.
 Discuss and critique research in the field of HCI.
Learning Outcomes

At the end of the course the students will be able to:

 Explain context of HCI and different measures for
evaluation.
 Apply the principles of good design for people from the
perspective of age and disabilities.
 Analyze techniques for user centered design for a medium
sized software.
 Evaluate the usability of a medium size software user
interface.
Course Policies

 Students are allowed to join the class within 10 minutes from

the start.
 Use Zoom internal features to ask queries (raise hand etc.)
 Keep your video turned off and switch off the mics to avoid
disturbance during lecture.
 Zero tolerance policy on discipline of class during lectures!
 Assignments must be submitted on time, no late submissions
 In case of copied assignment both parties will be given zero!
 Projects, Presentation, Quizzes, Assignments, Class
participation are very important. Don’t miss them!
Grading Criteria

 The Course will be divided in the following modules:

MODULE WEIGHTAGE
Assignments 15%
Quizzes 5%
Class Participation 5%
Project/Presentation 10%
Mid Term 25%
Final Term 40%
TOTAL 100
Reference Books

 Human Computer Interaction by Alan Dixx, (3rd Edition)

 Designing the User Interface: Strategies for Effective
Human-Computer Interaction, Ben Shneiderman and
Catherine Plaisant, 6th Ed, Pearson Inc, 2016.
 Designing Interactive Systems: A Comprehensive Guide to
HCI, UX and Interaction Design, Benyon, D. 3rd Ed.,
Pearson. 2013
Questions till Now??
How do people interact with computer?
Who are “Users”

 People who will use a product or web site.

 As opposed to the “Designers”
 People who create the system or web site
 Designers ≠ Users
 You are the designer
 Have to make an effort to Know The User
What is a “USER-Interface”

 Everything the user encounters:

 Functionality
 Content
 Labels
 Presentation
 Layout
 Navigation
 Speed of response
 Documentation & Help
 There are three ‘use’ words that must all be true for a product to be successful; it must be:
 useful – accomplish what is required: play music, cook dinner, format a document;
 usable – do it easily and naturally, without danger of error, etc.;
 used – make people want to use it, be attractive, engaging, fun, etc.
The End!