2020 Design of Interactive Things (DOIT)

The DOIT class is about learning design methods—how to quickly design and redesign an effective interactive system.
You will follow a complete user-centered design cycle to create a prototype of a novel app that meets the needs you discovered in your interviews.

This course is fast! You must learn to sketch your ideas rather than create perfect examples. You will also learn to stop discussing and start doing.

These techniques were created and refined in both industry and research settings and are directly applicable to your internships. If you do well in this class, you will find yourself teaching these skills to your future colleagues.

By the end of the course, you should be able to observe users and design from their perspective, focusing on interaction not just the interface. You should also be able to work effectively in groups, and avoid 'analysis paralysis'.

Course structure:
This is a project-oriented class, with a combination of lectures and activities, in class and as homework. You will work in groups of four, with individual, paired and group exercises. You start by creating a story-based video prototype and then completely redesign it, based on HCI principles.

Grading:
Final grades are based on individual assignment grades, class participation, and the group project.

Participation and exercises: 30%
Video prototype #1 15%
Video prototype #2 15%
Final presentation & poster 40%

Final presentation:
Each group will have 10 minutes to present their project to a jury, which will summarize the key results of the design process, the final video prototype that illustrates the design, and justifications for the design decisions.

Note that the video prototype is not a concept video or a marketing pitch. Rather, this is a design artifact that communicates your group's ideas to other designers, stakeholders and users.