The module deals with research methods in the field of human-computer interaction. It discusses the core principles of human-computer interaction and the user-centred design process (HCD) and its phases, context analysis, analysis of requirements and tasks, prototyping and evaluation. The research methods used in the various phases of the process are introduced and discussed.

Available design options for human-machine interfaces are presented and discussed in relation to human perceptual abilities and their limitations. The module includes discussion of methods of user-based evaluation, including surveys, diaries, case studies, interviews and focus groups, and physiological measurements.

The module provides detailed information on evaluation methods and introduces the basics of experimental research in human-computer interaction, including types of research, research hypotheses, experimental design and statistical analysis.

Students can independently design, prototype and evaluate a human-machine interface according to the user-centred design process (HCD) with the help of suitable resources.

SUBJECT COMPETENCE

The students

• can describe and explain the HCD process.
• can categorise an unknown method in the HCD process based on a brief description.
• can select a suitable type of prototyping for a given use case.
• are able to select a suitable prototyping method for a given use case.
• can apply selected prototyping methods to design an interactive system.
• are able to name basic characteristics of human perception and motor skills and explain their significance for the development of interactive systems.
• are able to make and justify suggestions for improving a given user interface on the basis of the laws of design.
• can explain the basic features of visual search and use them to improve given interfaces.
• are able to critically compare several variants of a concept of an interactive system based on the findings of "Multiple Resource Theory".

METHODOLOGICAL COMPETENCE

The students

• are able to critically compare and select methods for analysing the context of use and/or user requirements.
• are able to apply methods for analysing context of use and/or user requirements to a real example.
• can retrospectively comment on the use of a method for analysing context of use and/or user requirements.
• are able to plan, moderate and evaluate an ideation session.
• can formulate a precise research question on the basis of a given topic.
• can discuss the advantages and disadvantages of an experiment design.
• are able to select a suitable experiment design for a given research question.
• can formulate hypotheses and null hypotheses for a given experiment.

SOCIAL COMPETENCE

The students

• can work independently in groups to develop solutions to a given design problem.
• can present self-developed solutions to a design problem in plenary sessions.
• can motivate their methodical approach to a design problem.
• can discuss their design drafts and results with the plenum in a technically and objectively appropriate manner.
• can integrate professional and objective criticism into their own design drafts.

SELF-COMPETENCE

The students

• can accept mistakes made during the design process and learn from them.

The Human-Machine Interaction module is an elective module in practical Computing Science. The module is offered as a lecture with an accompanying practical project totalling 6 ECTS credit points (2VL + 2PR). The expected workload is 180 hours with an expected attendance time of 56 hours. The module is designed as a Master's module and involves considerable independent project work in small teams. The module can also be taken at Bachelor's level.

Registration for the module takes place in the first semester weeks via the learning management system Stud.IP. The students will receive detailed information on attendance, tasks and dates in the first course at the beginning of the semester as well as in the learning management system Stud.IP.