Human-Computer Interaction

2025-2026

General Information

Course Code XB_0153
Credits 6 EC
Period P6
Course Level 200
Language of Tuition English
Faculty Faculty of Science
Course Coordinator prof. dr. J.R. van Ossenbruggen
Examiner prof. dr. J.R. van Ossenbruggen
Teaching Staff prof. dr. J.R. van Ossenbruggen
Z. Inayat
Part of programme(s)

Practical Information

You need to register for this course yourself. The (de)registration deadlines can be found on VU.nl

Teaching Methods Seminar, Lecture

Target audiences

This course is also available as:

Course Objective

Students will learn to:

  1. Describe fundamental principles of user experience and human factors (Knowledge and understanding)
  2. Describe fundamental input and output techniques for human-computer interaction (Knowledge and understanding)
  3. Gather requirements for designing interactive systems (Applying knowledge and understanding)
  4. Apply prototyping methods for interactive systems (Applying knowledge and understanding)
  5. Evaluate interactive systems (Making judgements)
  6. Validate empirical evaluations of interactive systems (Making judgements, Applying knowledge and understanding)
  7. Communicate design solutions and evaluations on an academic level (Communication)
  8. Work in teams to achieve a common goal (Communication) (Lifelong learning skills)

Course Content

The lectures in this course will discuss and present examples of concepts and methods in the field of human-computer interaction. It will cover in detail all steps in the human-centered design lifecycle; We will discuss methods for requirement analysis, designing, and building prototypes of interactive systems, and evaluating them. In practical sessions, students will practice the use of relevant methods within a project context. Some of the topics covered in the course are: User Needs Analysis, Conceptual Design, Mockups, and Prototypes, Usability, Evaluation of Prototypes and technology for interactive systems.

Additional Information Teaching Methods

Lectures, practical sessions.

Method of Assessment

The final grade is determined by the partial grades of the following deliverables:

  • course assignments (group and possibly individual);
  • digital exam (individual).

The final grade will be calculated based on the assignment grades and the exam grade (FINAL GRADE = 0.6 ASSIGNMENTS + 0.4 EXAM). To pass the course, students need to complete all assignments and pass both parts (Grade >= 5.5).

Literature

Recommended Literature:
MacKenzie, I. S. (2012). Human-computer interaction. Elsevier Science. ISBN: 9780124058651. Available for free online from the VU Library for registered VU students (https://vu.on.worldcat.org/oclc/875263048)

Additional Information Target Audience

Bachelor Computer Science (year 2)

Explanation Canvas

All details of the course will be published on the Canvas page.

Recommended background knowledge

Basic programming skills, basic statistics, data collection.