2018 HCI Bootcamp

The HCI Bootcamp is about learning design methods—how to quickly design and redesign an effective interactive system in four days.

You will follow a complete user-centered design cycle to create a prototype of a novel map app that meets needs you discovered in your interviews.

This course is fast! You must learn to sketch your ideas rather than create perfect examples. You must 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 three or four, with individual, paired and group exercises. You have three days to create the first story-based video prototype and one more day to completely redesign it, based on HCI principles.

Grading:
Most grades are based on the group project, but your individual grade also includes individual assignments and class participation.

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, including a summary of their design process and the video prototype that illustrates their design. Note that this is not a concept video with a marketing pitch. Rather, you will be creating a design artifact that communicates your ideas to other designers, stakeholders and users.