CSE 564/664

Introduction to Human Computer Interaction

3 credits

Meeting times: Saturdays 2:00-4:50 pm, September 29 through December 1, 2007

Location: WCC403

Content: This course emphasizes the user experience of computing, which centers on an understanding of real users and the specific tasks they need to accomplish when computing. In the pursuit of optimal user support, a multidisciplinary approach to system design and evaluation is stressed. The course reviews basic methods, terminology, viewpoints, and activities in the broad field of human-computer interaction. It includes user interface principles, design guidelines, and practical issues in user interface design as well as user interface evaluation criteria and metrics. Students gain hands-on experience by implementing and evaluating graphical, verbal, and multimodal user interfaces. An introduction to this topic is essential for everyone working in the field of computer science.

Instructor: Dr. James A. Larson: Co-chair of the W3C Voice Browser Working Group which is standardizing VoiceXML and related languages for developing voice applications; Manager of Advanced Human Input/Output at Intel Corporation; Over 25 years teaching at University of Minnesota, College of St. Thomas, Colby College, Beijing University, Portland State University, and OGI; Author of the books, VoiceXML—Introduction to Developing speech Applications and Interactive Software—Tools for Building Interactive User Interfaces and writes “Technology Trends” column for Speech Technology magazine.

Instructor office hours: after class on Saturdays and by appointment. E-mail: jim@larson-tech.com

Text: No text required

Course topics:

The following is a tentative schedule of topics to be covered during the course. Dates and times are tentative and may change.

Date Lecture and Discussion Topics Assignment due on this date
Sept. 29

Introduction to Human Computer Interactions

Interface Guidelines and Principles
Information appliances

Create “mockup”of a new appliance
October 6 Computing appliances

Read and Odlyzko’s article on “Invisible Computing:” http://www.firstmonday.org/issues/issue4_9/odlyzko/

Project 1

October 13 GUI

Review “Research-based Web design and user interface guidelines” http://usability.gov/guidelines/

Project 2a: Construct a web site using:

October 20 GUI Project 2b
October 27

Verbal user interfaces

http://www.larson-tech.com/CSE564/VXMLIntroduction5.ppt

Read VoiceXML: Introduction to Developing Speech Applications, Chapter 8—http://www.larson-tech.com/VXMLch8.htm
November 3 Verbal user interfaces Project 3a
November 10 Verbal user interfaces Project 3b
November 17 Multimodal user interfaces Read “Multimodal Guidelines” http://www.larson-tech.com/MMGuidelines.htm
November 24 No class, Thanksgiving weekend  
December 1 Multimodal user interfaces Project 4a and 4b and Final Exam

Projects: Student teams consisting of 2-3 students will implement and demonstrate their user interfaces. We will follow the following general procedure:

    1. Download and install the appropriate software.
    2. Design the user’s model of the application and the tasks it can perform.
    3. Specify criteria for evaluating user interfaces and applications: preference and performance criteria.
    4. Specify testing procedures for evaluating your user interface and application.
    5. Implement and install your user interface and application.
    6. Demonstrate the user interface and application in class on the date it is due.
    7. Record and analyze suggestions, revise your prototype
    8. Apply the testing procedure for evaluating your user interface and application with at least one perspective user.
    9. Analyze the results of the user testing, revise your prototype as necessary.
    10. Demonstrate the revised user interface and application in class on the date it is due.

During the course, students will implement four projects:

Grading policies: