Introduction to Human-Computer
Interaction for Technology Executives 95-763 - Heinz Distance Education only Summer, Mini 5, 2018 (6 units), May 21, 2018 - June 28, 2018

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.

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.

In Summer, 2018, this course, 95-763, is limited to only selected Executive Education students. Everyone else, please take 05-863 / 45-888: "Introduction to Human-Computer Interaction for Technology Executives" in Fall, 2018, mini 2.

05-863 / 45-888 is open to graduate students from all departments who are interested in a quick introduction to HCI. It is approved as an elective in Tepper, INI, MSE, IS, MSIT, and other Master's programs. May be available to undergraduates with permission of the instructor.

This course is on Canvas.

"Homework assignments were great--challenging, but very relevant."

"Course videos are excellent. ... Panopto [the class's video server] allowed me to watch the videos at my work computer. :)"

"This class has been one of my favorites so far in the program! I have really enjoyed it and plan to talk to our UX team at work about future opportunities in the field."

"I just wanted to say thank you, both to you and [the TA] for an excellent class. The assignments were actually really fun and I was always excited to see how people responded to my prototypes. I don’t think I have ever used the words fun and exciting in the same sentence when talking about homework. I believe this class influenced my future. Prior to taking the class I knew nothing about HCI. ... Pretty soon there will probably not be any aspects of our lives where technology is not included. Whether that is good or bad, that is the way it will be. How we are able to interact with increasingly complex technology in a simple and understandable manner is of great importance and fascination to me. This is where I want to be in the future and this class and you played a large role in helping me see that. I am excited about it. So thank you :)""I really enjoyed taking a device I owned and redesigning it. Though it was a lot of work, I thought it was fun."

"Brad is a great lecturer. Informal, interesting, nice to listen too and one can see he puts effort into his delivery. He is among the better lecturers at CMU."