HCD 251 - Interactive Systems Design and Development

This course provides opportunities to identify, design, build, and evaluate interactive systems using human-centered design principles and engineering. Emphasis is placed on usability, accessibility, and user-centered design strategies for creating foundational interactive experiences. The students will learn technical skills such as basic control systems using microcontrollers, sensors and actuators, and advanced concepts from wearable and ubiquitous computing domains. Technical concepts will be introduced in a hands-on, project-based environment. The course will be structured as a series of independent explorations, each on a different prototyping methodology. The course will bring design thinking concepts and user-driven prototypes, including rapid sketched paper prototypes, lo-fi monochromatic wireframes, and high-fidelity interactive mockups.

Prerequisites: COS 125 or COS 135 or NMD 211 or instructor permission

Course Typically Offered: Spring

Credits: 3