Course syllabus spring 2019
Course syllabus spring 2019
Title
Interaction Design: Physical Prototyping
Swedish title
Interaction Design: Physical Prototyping
Course code
KD404B
Credits
7.5 credits
Grading scale
UG / Fail (U) or Pass (G)
Language of instruction
English
Decision-making body
Faculty of Culture and Society
Syllabus approval date
2016-11-28
Syllabus valid from
2018-01-15
Entry requirements
General entry requirements + English B.
Level
Basic level
Main field
Interaction Design
Progression level
G1F
Progression level in relation to degree requirements
The course can normally be included as part of a general degree at undergraduate level.
Course objectives
Prototyping with basic materials such as paper, cardboard and video is long established in the field of interaction design. It’s also important for designers to clearly understand how prototypes ‘work’ and their own motivations for prototyping. In this regard, design literature and critical reflections help to contextualize prototyping practice.
Course contents
The course introduces students to theoretical notions of prototyping, drawing on design theory and relating it to interaction design. Techniques for prototyping with physical materials are introduced which will be of use throughout the programme. Students integrate the separate skills and perspectives in a short group project.
Learning outcomes
After completing the course, students will be able to:
1. Articulate different motivations for prototyping and relate this to particular physical prototyping techniques
2. Evidence individual physical prototyping activities with the materials of the course
3. Work collaboratively to plan, execute and communicate a small-scale physical prototyping project
4. Plan and engage with users in relation to a physical prototype, and analyse and reflect on the outcomes
Learning activities
The course is based on lectures and hands-on engagement in prototyping individually and as a group.
Assessment
Reflective journal (4 credits, Learning ooutcomes 1, 2)
In the first phase of the course, students learn practical techniques for prototyping using several materials. A task is set for exploring each material. Students document their work and reflections in a journal, and conclude with an essay drawing upon theoretical notions and practical experience. The journal is assessed as a single unit covering all practical tasks of the first phase.
Prototyping project (3.5 credits, Learning outcomes 3, 4)
Working as a group and in relation to a provided brief, students plan and execute a small-scale physical prototyping project, including engagement with users. The process and outcomes of the project are communicated in a report and short presentation
Course literature and other study material
Students may be required to pay for additional materials to support their activities.
The following is a required text, used for this course and the following Digital Prototyping:
• Valentine, L. (2013) Prototype: Design and craft in the 21st century. Bloomsbury Academic, London
Additional literature will be made available during the course, including:
• Houde, S., & Hill, C. (1997). What do Prototypes Prototype? In Handbook of Human Computer Interaction (2nd ed., pp. 367–381). Elsvier Science.
Course evaluation
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).