Preparation: COMPSCI 345 or SOFTENG 350

15 points

Course Description

Human aspects of computer systems, relevant to commercial solution development and computer science research. Sample topics: advanced evaluation methods; trends with domain specific user interface design.  Each student will do one literature review and one research project.

Course Outcomes

A student who successfully completes this course will have the opportunity to acquire advanced knowledge of topics in human-computer interaction including:

• evaluation methods that apply to various areas in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)
• carry out a literature review and project on a specific HCI related topic
• acquire skills in critical thinking, academic literacy, and oral presentation

Course Overview

This course focuses on recent research in Human Computer Interaction, covering a broad variety of topic areas and domains.  As HCI is involved in all end-user software, there are myriad software applications that relate to HCI.  In this course, we focus on research methods, critically evaluating research involving human computer interaction, synthesizing results from published research.  Several guest lectures will discuss the applications of HCI in their own domains and research areas.

A major component of this course is the research project, which will be conducted in teams.  In the first week of the course you will select a project topic.  In the first half of the semester you will carry out a literature review related to that topic and write an individual report.  In parallel with that, and with more intensity in the second half of the semester, you will work with your team to conduct a research project, including design and implementation of software as well as data collection.  The artefact you produce and a written report of your work will be jointly developed and submitted by your team.  Each group will present their project to the class and submit their project and reports before the end of the semester.   

Meeting Information

The course lectures take place:

• Tuesdays noon-1pm, Building 206 (Arts 1), Room 220
• Wednesdays 3-4pm, Building 206 (Arts 1), Room 220
• Fridays 2-3pm, Building 206 (Arts 1), Room 209

The course tutorial takes place on Fridays 9-10am Arts 1, Room 209.

Instructors 

Dr. Danielle Lottridge (course coordinator)

Email: d.lottridge@auckland.ac.nz

Dr. Gerald Weber

Email: gerald@cs.auckland.ac.nz

Tutor

Shyamli Sindhwani

Email: ssin820@aucklanduni.ac.nz

Readings

Recommended 

Trochim, William M. The Research Methods Knowledge Base, 2nd Edition. Internet WWW page, at URL: http://www.socialresearchmethods.net/kb/  (version current as of October 20, 2006).

Lecture Schedule (subject to change)