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70 508 Interaksjonsdesign 1: Exploring interaction design
Passed foundation level (BA-level) courses at AHO or equivalent, 180 ECTS.
Recommended prerequisite knowledge
The course builds on some core interaction design skills, such as prototyping, iterative design, user-testing and communication, learnt in the undergraduate courses at AHO. Knowledge about more advanced prototyping tools and methods, such as design-systems, coding and electronics, will be very helpful, but is not a requirement
‘Interaction Design 1: Exploring interaction design’ will expand, challenge and develop the student’s skills and knowledge in the field of interaction design. The course focuses on creativity and exploration in and through iterative design. Through a series of modules, students will explore tools and methods currently used in the design of digital experiences, systems and services - across complex contexts, technologies and user situations. The course embraces the creative possibilities and challenges of new technologies and new design methods. Through the course students will meet several different ways in which interaction design is being used to explore new opportunities in industry and research today. The course will include topics such as:
- Creativity and invention in interaction design through hands-on prototyping
- Exploring new technology through design
- Understanding the physical, spatial and temporal aspects of both the user situation and the technology one is designing for and with
- Evaluation and practical use of technological systems, design systems and conceptual frameworks
- Reflection on and communication of novel design approaches and outcomes
The course is module-based and will consist of several different projects where students work with, among other things, prototyping and experiences, creative exploration and methodology, and innovation and communication. The cases, tools and methods addressed and used will vary slightly from year to year, but may include topics such as experience prototyping, working with electronics, evidencing and visualization, video prototyping, Web experiments, and exploring new technology in context.
This course continues much of the content from the previous, well-established course ‘Interaction design 1: Tangible interaction’, but the themes, tools and scopes have been reworked and expanded.
The course contributes to overall learning objectives at the programme level by giving students a broader experience of creative exploration through interaction design, with the methods and tools this includes.
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
After the course the students should be able to:
- reflect on design theories, methods and practices in the field of interaction design with a focus on emerging technology
- select and implement relevant methods for creative exploration, which include prototyping, communication and iterative processes, for complex design situations based on case studies from specific industrial domains, such as the maritime
- communicate and present design of novel user interfaces and design solutions by using different methods for conveying engaging experiences
GENERAL COMPETENCE
After finishing this course the students will:
- have a strong understanding of interaction design as an academic and industrial discipline
- have competence in implementing iterative interaction design processes methods used in research and practice
- have improved the skills of developing experimental interaction designs
The core components of the course are exploration and development of prototypes for different case studies and modules building on the previous one. In addition, reflective and communicational activities in form of reading, writing, seminar discussions, field research and peer assessment will support the students understanding of the practical work. The majority of the student activity will be done in pairs or smaller groups (different pairs/groups for each project), with exception of some of the reflective assignments. The course will consist of several short modules introducing new cases, technologies, methods and aims. Each module will have different forms of presentations, discussions or hand-ins in order to continuously process and share the learning outcomes. Co-learning is an important part of the course, and it is encouraged that the majority of the time is spent working in the class studio in order to develop an inspiring and encouraging environment.
The practical aspects of the course will be complemented by a series of lectures/talks and workshops by a range of practitioners and specialists in the field. The course-modules will involve collaborators and guests with expertise in each case-topic.
To be announced later
| Form of assessment | Grouping | Grading scale | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portfolio assessment (Vurderingsmappe) | Individual | Pass / fail | Students need to present and submit all projects (3-6) in order to be assessed for the course. All modules must be passed in order to pass the course. Students will be informed at the completion of each project as to whether they have any out standing submissions. If a student does not submit these deliverables for what ever reason (medical absences etc), he or she can deliver later in the semester, but must deliver before the final project commences (unless they have obtained an extension from administration). The final project will be graded pass/fail by an external assessor and this results in the grade for the course. |
| Workload activity | Comment |
|---|---|
| Group work | If any students have difficulties or conflicts in working within their pair or group, they need to inform the course responsible and we can arrange a solution. |