At least 45 credits in the main field of Interaction Design.
The course is part of the main field of studies in Interaction Design and can normally be included as part of a general degree.
Designers shape material, and we take the material of interaction design to be interactivity. The ability to critique and shape the interaction aesthetic in a thoughtful, precise manner is of clear benefit for developing a designerly practice. Being sensitised to interactivity allows the interaction designer to consider not just for whom they are designing and the function of the product, but the very experience or ‘feel’ of interacting with it.
Through a designerly practice in the Bauhaus tradition, we will engage with the basic elements of interaction design - code, electronics and materials to bring to life interactive prototypes and sketches. Through exploration and mastery of materials and tools, we will explore notions of interaction qualities, opening discussions on interaction design research topics and relating design work to contemporary interactive artifacts. We purposefully bracket designing concepts or use situations.
The course consists of a series of short modules, each of which combine a theme and a technological material. Themes are explored through rapid design explorations with the paired material and critique sessions. In this process, we sharpen conceptions of interaction and the interactive experience, as well as the technical skills of design. The reflective journal includes on-going reflections of work conducted in the modules as well as a final essay.
The topic and technology for each module will vary. Students are expected to have prior experience with basic circuits, microcontrollers and Javascript.
On completing the course, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate competency in sketching and prototyping interactivity
- Articulate the development and maturation of their designerly practice
- Explore meaningful interaction design-based questions through prototyping and sketching with code and related materials
- Critically engage with course literature and design practice
Instruction consists of lectures, design work and critique sessions.
Assessment has two components:
- Design work and reflective journaling of each module (10 HP; LO 1, 2, 3)
- Final essay (5 HP; LOs 4)
Literature will be provided according to topics selected for the course.
The University provides students who participate in or who have completed a course with the opportunity to make known their experiences and viewpoints with regards to
the course by completing a course evaluation administered by the University. The University will compile and summarize the results of course evaluations as well as informing participants of the results and any decisions relating to measures initiated in response to the course evaluations. The results will be made available to the students (HF 1:14).
Language of instruction is English.