What is this course for?

This course provides an overview and introduction to the field of human-computer interaction, with a focus on how it applies to managers, technology executives, and others who will work with HCI professionals. Particular emphasis will be placed on what HCI methods and HCI-trained specialists can bring to design and development teams. The course will provide a hands-on introduction to proven tools and techniques for creating and improving user interfaces, such as Contextual Inquiry, Rapid Prototyping, Heuristic Analysis, and Think-Aloud Usability Testing. Students at the end of the course will have learned how to perform some useful techniques and will have an understanding of systematic procedures for creating usable and useful designs and systems.

What is HCI?

Human computer interaction (HCI) is an interdisciplinary field in which computer scientists, engineers, psychologists, social scientists, and design professionals play important roles. The goal of HCI is to solve real problems in the design and use of technology, making computer-based systems easier to use and more effective for people and organizations. Ease of use and effectiveness are critical to the success of any systems that interact with people, including software systems, home, office and factory appliances, and web and phone applications.

You may visit the CMU HCII website for more information.

Who is this course for?

The class welcomes everyone from non-programmers to expert programmers. No background in HCI is expected. Open to graduate students from all departments who are interested in a quick introduction to HCI. Approved elective course in the Technology Leadership MBA Track. Also approved as an elective in INI, MSE, IS, MSIT, MBA, and other Master's programs. Distance students may also register, since the course is videoed. Also available to advanced undergraduates with permission of the instructor. [Please Note: This course is NOT appropriate for students in the degree programs of the Human-Computer Interaction Institute.]

Anonymous Evaluation Comments from Last Year (2017)

“Professor Myers is fantastic.”

“I really enjoyed and felt that I learned a great deal from the assignments in this course. Overall I feel much better equipped to go forward in roles that will require managing tech products. I am also very appreciative of the way the homeworks were assigned in order of most time consuming to less time-consuming.”

“I really enjoyed this course. This is one of the most interesting courses I took, Prof. Myers teaches it really well and the topics are very interesting. I also think that this is a very relevant course for any one who ever wants to design something for people, and the homeworks in the course provide a good understanding of how to perform the learnt things - in real life! I highly recommend this course to other students!”

“Despite the HWs being very time consuming, I found them very useful and well worth it in the end.”

“I especially liked that the course was very practical so when I will start my own company I would know how to examine UX's in a very good way. Also I feel like the homeworks really helped and the lectures covered some interesting material.”

“It's quite informative with great hands-on experience.”

“The professor is fun.”

“Professor and TAs are awesome!”

“I really like the website of the course material. And I like the refreshing ambience of HCII.”

“My favorite course for this semester. I've gained a lot of hands-on experience with theoretical knowledge. Highly recommend it.”