This is an undergraduate course designed as an introduction to human-computer interaction-- a field that spans several disciplines and draws on multiple intellectual traditions. In this class we will address social issues related to HCI, and we will also explore design methods.

I’ve broken the quarter schedule into two unequal parts. We’ll spend the initial couple weeks talking about some history and overarching ideas that relate to HCI. The goal of this part of the class is to introduce you to HCI concepts and some of the driving research questions in the field. The bulk of the quarter, however, will be focused on how HCI relates to pervasive computing. In particular, we’ll talk about RFID technology and mobiles. The goals for this part of the course are to introduce you to selected HCI research methods, give you an opportunity to do both fieldwork and design work, and to focus attention on some of the questions that come up when we take computers off the desktop and integrate them into activities of everyday life.

The class will include a combination of lecture, discussion, presentations, projects, guest lectures, and field trips. Access to a digital camera is required. We’ll do a good chunk of our exploration this quarter outside the classroom, so please be prepared to spend some time in the world.

• Do the readings listed on the syllabus. Readings should be completed by the day they are listed.
• Read the following blogs at least weekly. Be prepared to talk about them.
• http://www.janchipchase.com/
• http://www.smallsurfaces.com/
• http://www.thisisbroken.com/
• Get a flickr account. If you want a separate one for this course, that’s fine.
• Have access to a digital camera.
• Show up to class and participate.
• Be a responsible and responsive team member and complete your group project.
• Have access to some form of transportation (car, bus, bike). This will be necessary for your fieldtrip.
• Be prepared to do some of the learning for this course outside of the classroom.

For information on "How the Department of Technical Communication Protects Student Rights", see https://intranet.uwtc.washington.edu/facultyresources/studentrights.php

Information on departmental plagiarism policy can be found at: https://intranet.uwtc.washington.edu/academicresources/plagiarismpolicy.php