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.

You may visit the CMU HCII website for more information.

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. Distance students may also register, since the course is videoed. 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.]

Anonymous Evaluation Comments from Previous Years

"Yesterday I started as Product Manager for user experience. The notes you provided in your class have been very useful and I just wanted to say thank you for the great class (and all the work :)."

"Thank you very much for conducting the HCI class in an awesome manner. I really enjoyed the class and I believe that you have a great teaching style and content for the class. I interned at Google in past summer where I interacted with many usability designers. With this course, I feel more equipped to work with those people."

"The homeworks were long, but they were very interesting to complete."

"It was fun to build the prototypes. Also, I loved that the schedule was very clear and it was very clear what was expected of me and when. The instructor is clearly very organized and experienced and that made my life easier too."

"Liked the fact that it focused on important issues."

"I wanted to design things that are easy to use by all and this course helped me do it."

"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...."

*This course is listed on the Hub under 05-863 and 08-763 and 45-888. This course is also on Blackboard.