This is an OLD version of the course. Please go to the 2014 page instead!

What is this course for?

This course provides an overview and introduction to the field of human-computer interaction, with a focus on how it applies to managers, technology executives, and others who will work with HCI professionals. Particular emphasis will be placed on what HCI methods and HCI-trained specialists can bring to design and development teams. The course will provide a hands-on introduction to proven tools and techniques for creating and improving user interfaces, such as Contextual Inquiry, Rapid Prototyping, Heuristic Analysis, and Think-Aloud User Testing. Students at the end of the course will have learned how to perform some useful techniques and will have an understanding of systematic procedures for creating usable and useful designs and systems.

What is HCI?

Human computer interaction (HCI) is an interdisciplinary field in which computer scientists, engineers, psychologists, social scientists, and design professionals play important roles. The goal of HCI is to solve real problems in the design and use of technology, making computer-based systems easier to use and more effective for people and organizations. Ease of use and effectiveness are critical to the success of any systems that interact with people, including software systems, home, office and factory appliances, and web and phone applications.

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Who is this course for?

The class welcomes everyone from non-programmers to expert programmers.

Open to graduate students from all departments who are interested in a quick introduction to HCI. Required course in the Technology Leadership MBA Track. Approved as an elective in INI, MSE, IS, MSIT, and other Master’s programs. Also available to advanced undergraduates with permission of the instructor.

[Please Note: This course is NOT appropriate for students in the degree programs of the Human-Computer Interaction Institute.]

Read anonymous evaluation comments from previous years here.

Anonymous Course Evaluations


From the official CMU On-line Course Evaluations, Tepper student's official evaluations for this course, or an un-official anonymous survey, for 2012:

“Professor Myers is one of the top people in the HCI field, and I am glad I was able to take this class as part of my MBA experience. I did not want to graduate from CMU without taking a CS/HCI class, and I am happy I chose this one. The quality of the presentations and the guest speakers were excellent….”

“I liked learning about interface design and the processes that take place.”

“The Professor … paid attention to every student's question and answered them really clearly. I am interested in HCI and this class did provide a good introduction to it. I learned so much from doing homework. And the TAs gave good feedback on my homework. I would recommend anyone who interested in HCI to take this course.”

“Homeworks were very practical and interesting. Lectures were very informative.”

“Great intro to HCI. Even though the homeworks were time consuming, it was a great way to actually go through the whole process.”

“I really enjoyed the course… I have been able to apply ideas from this class, like sketching, rapid prototyping, paper prototype and heuristic evaluation in my day job.”

Administrators

For course add and drop problems, please contact the administrators from the following departments:

HCII (05-863) ISR (08-763) Tepper (46-863)
Nicole Willis
nicolewi @ cs
300 S.Craig, #229
Linda Francona
laf20 @ cs
4117 Wean Hall
Vickie Motz
vmotz @ andrew

This course is listed on the Hub under 05-863 and 08-763 and
46-863. This course is also on Blackboard.