Advanced Human-Computer Interaction: Ubiquitous Computing
The course will explore advanced topics in HCI, presenting and reflecting on the concerns, perspectives and interdisciplinary nature of this area. We will look at new and emerging technologies and the issues they entail. These technologies move beyond more ‘traditional’ computing concerns, in particular by going from the desktop into the world [ubiquitous computing], moving from the workplace to the home and other settings [e.g., domestic, public spaces], from purely functional to ludic concerns [e.g. home entertainment, pervasive games], and from digital to digital-physical systems[tangible computing].
The course will cover technical aspects as well as user-centered design and evaluation methods relevant for Ubiquitous Computing, and a discussion of broader societal and value-related concerns (e.g. privacy, user agency versus ambient intelligence).
Successful students should be able to
- discuss the diverse and emergent areas within UbiComp technologies and the issues they entail
- be able to reflect on practical experiences engaging with some of these technologies from a user-centred perspective
- understand the technical functioning of example UbiComp technologies and to build small-scale UbiComp systems (e.g. Arduino, Microsoft Gadgeteer)
- choose and give a rationale for appropriate user-centered design methods for example application problems. |
