Course Description

History and trends in human-computer interaction; user-centered interaction design techniques; prototyping; experimental methods for evaluating technology.

Course Topics

This course covers the fundamentals of human-computer interaction. The following tentative topics will be part of this course:

• HCI Foundations
• Intro to Human-Factors
• Experiment Design
• HCI Research
• Interaction Design Principles
• Principles of UX and usability
• Brief introduction to XR and Perception

Course Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to

• Describe the principles of human-computer interaction.
• Apply the principles of user experiment design.
• Apply the principles of user experiment evaluation.
• Apply the knowledge of user interaction design.
• Write a research paper and present ideas relevant to HCI.
• Develop a complete user interface prototype using HCI techniques.

Textbooks

Required:

• Human-Computer Interaction: An Empirical Research Perspective. 2024. I. Scott MacKenzie, 2nd Edition. ISBN 978-0443140969. CSU library access link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/book/9780443140969/human-computer-interaction

Optional:

• Interaction Design: Beyond Human-Computer Interaction, 6th Edition, Yvonne Rogers, Helen Sharp, Jennifer Preece, 2023, ISBN: 978-1-119-90109-9. The book is available in CSU Bookstore and Online. Online source: https://www.wiley.com/en-us/Interaction+Design%3A+Beyond+Human-Computer+Interaction%2C+6th+Edition-p-9781119901099
• Research Methods in Human Computer Interaction, 2nd Edition, Jonathan Lazar, Jinjuan Heidi Feng, and Harry Hochheiser, 2017, ISBN: 978-0-12-805390-4. CSU library access link:https://www.sciencedirect.com/book/9780128053904/research-methods-in-human-computer-interaction

Course Lectures and Materials

Lecture slides/PDFs and any additional materials will be uploaded to the Canvas course page under the Module section.

Grading Scale and Activities

GRADE	RANGE
A	[90 – 100%]
B	[80 – 89%]
C	[70 – 79%]
D	[60 – 69%]
F	[0 – 59%]

Activity	GRADE PERCENTAGE
Quizzes	10%
Assignments	25%
Mid-Term Exam	10%
Final Exam	15%
Final Project	40%
Total:	100%

Grading Clarifications

Quizzes (10%)

• All quizzes will be announced (no pop quizzes).
• Quizzes will be individual.
• At least 5 quizzes.
• Short Canvas quizzes (10-15 mins). Students will participate in the quiz through the Canvas course page. All the quizzes will be given on the Canvas course page.
• LockDown Browser is required.
• Cover the topics and discussions from previous classes. The quiz syllabus will be provided before each quiz.
• The quiz with the lowest score will not be counted for the final grade.
• Multiple choice, true/false, fill-in-the-blanks, short essay questions, and other types of questions will be given in the quiz.
• No Late turn-ins will be allowed.

Assignments (25%)

• Assignments will be individual.
• 4-5 assignments.
• It should be turned in as a digital copy (PDF) via Canvas.
• Grading will be done based on correctness, effort, and completeness. Sometimes, the assignment will require answers based on your critical thinking. The grading will be performed based on the expected answer and understanding of the level at which this class is set.
• The assignment with the lowest score will not be counted for the final grade.
• No Late turn-ins will be allowed.

Exams

Mid-Term Exam (10%)

• 1 midterm exam via Canvas.
• LockDown Browser and Webcam are required.
• Students who need Testing accommodation will need to use the SDC Accessible Testing Center, students will need to schedule their exams at least seven (7) days in advance

Final Exam (15%)

• Questions will be available on Canvas during the final exam.
• LockDown Browser and Webcam are required.
• Students who need Testing accommodation will need to use the SDC Accessible Testing Center, students will need to schedule their exams at least seven (7) days in advance

Final Project (40%)

• This course necessitates comprehension of theoretical concepts and includes a practical project. Put differently, we will prioritize practical experience alongside theoretical understanding.
• Every student will choose an HCI-based project. They will:
  • Identify an HCI-based research problem
  • Develop research questions and hypotheses
  • Carry out an experiment
  • Gather pilot data (a pilot study involving at least 6 individuals from the class)
  • Analyze the data
  • Present their findings to the class.
• You can do a project in any programming language you desire; it doesn’t have to be 3D. However, developing websites will not be accepted. 
• To work independently on the project, it is necessary to possess a certain level of maturity in programming. Note that you are allowed to use Generative AI to develop ONLY the software for your experiment, not other elements.
• Although this course does not focus on statistics, having a fundamental grasp of the subject is crucial.
• The project will be conducted in small teams of 3-4 students, with the number of team members depending on the course size.
• To carry out the pilot study, it is necessary to complete the Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI Training). If you plan to present or publish the data obtained from this study, it is important to consult your major professor (and possibly the IRB) to determine if IRB approval is necessary. Failing to complete this training will prevent you from conducting the experiments necessary for your final project.
• Depending on your project, we may loan you hardware based on the availability of the hardware. If you borrow any hardware for the final project, you must return it in the same condition in which it was provided. The instructor will examine the returned hardware, and if the HMD and/or accessories are not operational, a deduction of up to 20% may be applied to each team member’s individual final grade.
• To borrow any hardware from any research laboratory, you need to obtain written permission from the director or professor of the research laboratory. You must submit this with the project proposal.
• Before the proposal presentation deadline, it is necessary to obtain my approval for the topic and scope of your project. You must seek and discuss this approval with me in advance.

• Throughout this procedure, teams will deliver regular updates in class, which will include:
  • Report and presentation on the project proposal
  • An interim project report and presentation
  • A final project report in paper format.
  • A final project presentation
  • Submission of final project materials. The final project materials encompass source code, a literature survey, pilot data, pictures, a demo video, and other relevant items.
• It is important for students in this class to allocate a considerable amount of time to their term project. Hence, it is advisable to begin working on it as soon as possible.
• Grading: The projects and progress will be evaluated based on subjective criteria. The main grading factor will be the extent to which the project achieves its set objectives. Other factors that may be considered include the team’s effort in producing high-quality materials. The team will receive a grade based on this evaluation process. Each team member’s grade will be the same as the team grade, but it may be adjusted based on feedback from peers and the instructor.
• Details and due dates will be posted on Canvas as the semester progresses. Project deliverables must be submitted only through the Canvas system.

Term Project Grades Breakdown:

• Team Formation – 2%
• Proposal Report and Presentation – 5%
• Interim Project Report and Presentation – 8%
• Final Project Report – 10%
• Final Project Presentation – 10%
• Final Project Materials – 5%

Extra Credit

• Points may be available throughout the semester with quizzes, assignments, final projects, and exams in the form of bonus questions.
• All extra credit opportunities will be open to everyone.

Lab Hours

Lab hour is the designated time for working on your final project. It is important to note that lab hours are not mandatory and will not be factored into your grade. The allocation of lab hours has already been considered when determining the overall grade for this class, so make sure to make the most of this time.

Attendance

Students are expected to attend all the classes. While attendance will not be graded, we will keep track of attendance for face-to-face students to comply with student financial aid. If a student miss a class, the student must review the recorded lecture videos posted via echo 360. The instructor/GTAs will not re-teach or revisit material during office hours for students who did not review the lecture videos.

Late and Missed Assignments

• Unless explicitly specified, there will be no extension of deadlines for any quizzes, assignments, exams, or final project activities.
•  On certain occasions, students may miss submitting assignments. These absences can occur either due to prior knowledge or unexpectedly. Advance Notification: If a student is aware of an upcoming absence and wishes it to be considered excused, they must schedule a meeting with me at least one week prior to the absence with proper documentation.During the meeting, I will inform the student whether the absence will be excused or not. If the absence is deemed excused, the average number of points from your other assignments will be used as a substitute for the missed assignment. Failure to provide the required documentation 1 week before absence will forfeit your right to a make-up exam or alternative arrangement.
• Emergency Situations: In the event of an unexpected absence, it is necessary to meet with me as soon as possible after the absence to discuss the possibility of having the absence considered excused. Providing documentation to support your claim is also required. If the absence is deemed excused, the average number of points from your other assignments will be used as a substitute for the missed assignment.
• You will, unfortunately, receive zero points for unexcused absences from quizzes, assignments, exams, and final project activities.

Generative AI Use

You can use generative AI only if it is clearly marked in the syllabus and/or assignment instructions. When using generative AI, you must cite your use of it. Note that you are responsible for the content of the generated content and its accuracy. Except for assignments where it is explicitly listed as appropriate for use, do not utilize generative AI for any graded work (quizzes, exams, assignments, projects, and others). Doing so will be regarded as a breach of the CSU Academic Integrity Policy and Student Conduct Code.

Classroom Norms (or Community Agreement)

• Interaction with a Professional Manner: All students are required to behave professionally, which encompasses refraining from using language and electronic devices that may distract other students. We will actively listen to each other in order to comprehend diverse viewpoints. When questions arise, we will seek clarification. We will ensure that every individual’s opinions are acknowledged.
• Respect for your classmates is mandatory at all times. We work to maintain a supportive environment in the classroom and laboratory. Towards that end, we require you to be courteous to and respectful of your fellow participants (i.e., classmates, instructors). 
• Personal Electronic Devices: Laptops and other electronic devices are allowed but should be used in a responsible manner that does not interfere with the lecture or other students’ ability to learn. Cellular phones and other electronic devices that produce auditory stimuli should be turned off or silenced during classes and exams.

Copyright Course Materials

Please do not share material from this course online, in print, or in other media. Course material is the property of the instructor who developed the course. Materials authored by third parties and used in the course are also subject to copyright protection. Posting course materials on external sites (commercial or not) violates copyright law and the CSU Student Conduct Code. Students who share course content without the instructor’s express permission, including on online sites that post materials for sale to other students, may face appropriate disciplinary or legal action.

Communication with Course Staff

All queries to the instructor and TA should be sent from the CSU email address, ensuring they are received. Please ensure that you have added both the instructor and the GTAs to the email. Do not use Canvas emails; they may be ignored.

Professional Conduct, Academic Integrity/Misconduct, and CSU Honor Pledge

Forum Citizenship

Respect for your classmates is necessary at all times. We work to maintain a supportive environment in the discussion forum. Towards that end, we require that you be courteous to and respectful of your fellow participants (i.e., classmates, instructors, TAs and tutors). In particular:

• Be professional and courteous.
• Do not post any questions about your grade or any grading issues in a public forum such as Canvas or Teams. Such questions are private communication and must be emailed to the instructor and TA.
• Do not post any opinions regarding your graded assignment or any aspect of the course. You will have a chance to submit anonymous reviews at the end of the semester. Email feedback to the instructor regarding the course is acceptable and welcome.
• Be constructive and provide complete answers.
• Provide references and attribute credit for the content you post when needed.

The instructor reserves the right to delete postings that do not promote a conducive learning experience for students in the class.

CSU Principles of Community

• Inclusion: We create and nurture inclusive environments and welcome, value and affirm all members of our community, including their various identities, skills, ideas, talents and contributions.
• Integrity: We are accountable for our actions and will act ethically and honestly in all our interactions.
• Respect: We honor the inherent dignity of all people within an environment where we are committed to freedom of expression, critical discourse, and the advancement of knowledge.
• Service: We are responsible, individually and collectively, to give of our time, talents, and resources to promote the well-being of each other and the development of our local, regional, and global communities.
• Social Justice: We have the right to be treated and the responsibility to treat others with fairness and equity, the duty to challenge prejudice, and to uphold the laws, policies and procedures that promote justice in all respects.

Universal Design for Learning/Accommodations of Needs

I am committed to the principle of universal learning. This means that our classroom, our virtual spaces, our practices, and our interactions be as inclusive as possible. Mutual respect, civility, and the ability to listen and observe others carefully are crucial to universal learning.

If you are a student who will need accommodations in this class, please contact me to discuss your individual needs. Any accommodation must be discussed in a timely manner. A verifying memo from the Student Disability Center may be required before any accommodation is provided.

The Student Disability Center (SDC) has the authority to verify and confirm the eligibility of students with disabilities for the majority of accommodations. While some accommodations may be provided by other departments, a student is not automatically eligible for those accommodations unless their disability can be verified and the need for the accommodation confirmed, either through SDC or through acceptable means defined by the particular department. Faculty and staff may consult with the SDC staff whenever there is doubt as to the appropriateness of an accommodative request by a student with a disability.

The goal of SDC is to normalize disability as part of the culture of diversity at Colorado State University. The characteristic of having a disability simply provides the basis of the support that is available to students. The goal is to ensure students with disabilities have the opportunity to be as successful as they have the capability to be.

Support and services are offered to student with functional limitations due to visual, hearing, learning, or mobility disabilities as well as to students who have specific physical or mental health conditions due to epilepsy, diabetes, asthma, AIDS, psychiatric diagnoses, etc. Students who are temporarily disabled are also eligible for support and assistance. Any student who is enrolled at CSU, and who self-identifies with SDC as having a disability, is eligible for support from SDC. Specific accommodations are determined individually for each student and must be supported by appropriate documentation and/or evaluation of needs consistent with a particular type of disability. SDC reserves the right to ask for any appropriate documentation of disability in order to determine a student’s eligibility for accommodations as well as in support for specific accommodative requests. The accommodative process begins once a student meets with an accommodations specialist in the SDC.

Morgan Library Services Desk

The Morgan Library Services Desk provides both research (ph. 970-491-1841) and technical (ph. 970-491-7276) support. In addition, you can contact a librarian for assistance at Ask Us! or find a research guide at Research Help.

Other Policies

Please visit http://catalog.colostate.edu/general-catalog/policies/students-responsibilities/ for other policies. Furthermore, the linked page (https://col.st/2FA2g) provides policies relevant to the course and resources to help with various challenges they may encounter.

Right To Change

I reserve the right to change the course policies or schedule in order to facilitate instruction. Any such changes will be discussed in class and updated on the canvas course website.