About CS 3280 A
Covers the foundational theories and methods in the interdisciplinary field of human-computer interaction, focuses on the human-centered design and evaluation of user interfaces for various computing systems, as well as introduces a wide range of topics in current human-computer interaction research. Prerequisites: Minimum Junior standing. Pre/Co-requisites: CS 1080 or equivalent experience; completion of WIL1.
Notes
Prereq: CS 1080 or equivalent experience; Completion of WIL1; Minimum junior standing; Open to degree and PACE students
Section Description
This course fulfills WIL2 (Writing and Information Literacy Tier 2).
Why I cannot figure out how to use this device I just bought? Why is this app so hard to navigate? These frustrations arise when systems are not designed with people in mind. This course is centered around one fundamental question: how can we design human-centered computing systems that people find useful and usable?
This course (1) covers the foundational theories and methods in the interdisciplinary field of human-computer interaction (HCI), (2) focuses on the human-centered design and evaluation of user interfaces for various computing systems (e.g., tangible objects, the web, mobile devices, the Internet of Things, Artificial Intelligence-based systems), as well as (3) introduces a wide range of topics in current HCI research (e.g., social computing, ubiquitous computing, inclusive computing).
Section Expectation
The course materials include:
Textbook: Norman, D. (2013). The Design of Everyday Things: Revised and Expanded Edition (Hard copy recommended; paperback around $15).
Book chapters, articles, papers, and other online materials by HCI practitioners and researchers (available via UVM Library or online).
Students are expected to read assigned course materials, complete homework for class presentations, participate in class discussion, and engage in various classroom activities. There will be in-class quizzes and a summative exam.
Students are expected to work in groups on their semester-long course projects, where they are expected to apply human-centered methods to (1) identify a specific problem that can be addressed by a new or improved interactive user interface, (2) propose potential design alternatives, (3) evaluate these design alternatives, (4) implement the most appropriate user interface design as a prototype, and (5) report the project outcomes in a written report and an oral presentation.
Students should expect to spend approximately 4 hours a week on coursework outside of class, with additional time on their semester-long course projects.
Evaluation
Student grades will be based on: (1) in-class quizzes, (2) a summative exam, (3) class participation, and (4) several individual and group deliverables for the course project, including written assignments, presentations, and a user interface prototype.
Important Dates
Note: These dates may change before registration begins.
Courses may be cancelled due to low enrollment. Show your interest by enrolling.
| Last Day to Add | |
|---|---|
| Last Day to Drop | |
| Last Day to Withdraw with 50% Refund | |
| Last Day to Withdraw with 25% Refund | |
| Last Day to Withdraw |
Resources
Remind Me Form
Remind yourself about CS 3280 A.
We'll send you a reminder before Fall 2026 registration begins.