At least 15 credits in the main field of Interaction Design.

Prototyping with physical and digital materials is essential to interaction design practice. In this course, we purposefully mix a variety of making skills including programming, electronics, and computer-aided rapid manufacturing. It’s also important for designers to clearly understand how prototypes ‘work’ and how to prototype effectively. To this end we draw upon design literature and critically reflect on prototyping practice.

The course introduces students to theoretical notions of prototyping, drawing on design theory and relating it to interaction design. Techniques for prototyping with are introduced which will be of use throughout the programme. Students integrate the separate skills and perspectives in a group project.

After completing the course, students will be able to:

The course combines lectures, workshops and design activities.

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. (HP 1; LOs 1 & 2)

API Lab: Each group selects an API/library to investigate, identifying what is interesting about it for interaction designers, and creating examples that make use of it. Each group reports their findings with annotated code samples and a live demo (HP 2; LO 3 & 4)

Project: A large scale project that integrates the techniques and perspectives of the course. The reflective journal is used as the means of individual assessment (HP 5; LO 5)

Essay: The critical essay draws upon theoretical notions and practical experience (HP 7; LOs 6)

When the above learning objectives are met in a satisfactory manner, a Pass (G) is given.

You will need to purchase an Arduino Micro (or equivalent) and some basic components (up to 900sek). The details of this will be posted on the course website.

• Valentine, L. (2013) Prototype: Design and craft in the 21st century. Bloomsbury Academic, London

Supplementary articles and literature comprising a maximum of 150 pages disclosed during 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).

If a course is no longer offered or has undergone major changes, students will be offered two re-take sessions based on the syllabus in force at registration during a period of one year from the date of the implementation of the changes.