CSE 155: Introduction to Human-Computer Interaction
FALL 2020 (4 UNITS)
Introduces students to the basic concepts in the theory and practice of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI). Teaches how hardware and software design influence the interaction between human and computers to provide insights into the design and development of safe, effective, and enjoyable interactive systems.
Lectures and labs will be conducted via Zoom. Check CatCourses for Meeting ID and Password.
Day | Time | TA | |
---|---|---|---|
Lecture | Tuesday | 1:30 - 2:45 PM | |
Thursday | |||
Lab | Monday | 4:30 - 7:20 PM | Tafadzwa Dube |
Wednesday | 1:30 - 4:20 PM | Tafadzwa Dube | |
Thursday | 4:30 - 7:20 PM | Yuan Ren | |
Friday | 4:30 - 7:20 PM | Yuan Ren | |
Office Hour | By Appointment |
Textbook
This course uses the following textbook.

Course Objectives
Students of this course are expected to achieve the following learning outcomes through an understanding of basic theory and practices in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI):
- An ability to think critically about interactive computer systems.
- An ability to account for both human and system factors in the design of interactive computer systems.
- An ability to make design decisions by applying appropriate concepts and strategies.
- An ability to verbalize, discuss, and articulating key concepts and issues.
- An ability to describe interactive computer systems, issues, and solutions in clear, understandable lan-guage.
- An ability to work individually and in teams to attain a common goal.
- Practice a high standard of professional ethics.
- Engage in continuing professional development by adapting new methods, technologies, and tools.
Course Learning Outcomes
This course satisfies the following program learning outcomes:
- An ability to apply knowledge of computing and mathematics appropriate to the discipline [CO3].
- An ability to analyze a problem and identify the computing requirements appropriate for its solution [CO1].
- An ability to design, implement, and evaluate a computer-based system, process, component, or program to meet desired needs [CO3].
- An ability to function effectively as a member of a team in order to accomplish a common goal [CO3].
- An understanding of professional, ethical, legal, security, and social issues and responsibilities [CO7].
- An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences [CO4].
- An ability to analyze the local and global impact of computing on individuals, organizations, and society [CO1,2].
- Recognition of the need for an ability to engage in continuing professional development [CO8].
- An ability to apply mathematical foundations, algorithmic principles, and computer science theory to the modeling and design of computer-based systems in a way that demonstrates comprehension of the tradeoffs involved in design choices [CO3].
- An ability to apply design and development principles in the construction of software systems of varying complexity [CO3].
Prerequisites
CSE 100 Minimum Grade: C−. Strong skills in computer and Web programming preferred.
Course Policies
Class participation is required. Late submission is not permitted.
- Lecture. The instructor or a guest instructor will deliver a lecture. Students must pre-pare for each lecture ahead of time by studying the respective reading material, as applicable. There will be no group discussion this term due to COVID-19.
- Group Project. Students must form a group of 4-5 to work on a project that applies the techniques and skills acquired in the class. Each project will involve the design, development, and evaluation of an interactive computer system of choice. All groups will report the findings of their projects in a report (maximum 6 pages, excluding references, in the ACM SIGCHI format). Groups projects will prepare students for real-world software and systems design. Upon completion of the projects, all students will anonymously rate their group members based on their contribution in the project.
- Lab. All labs will be conducted remotely: https://soe.ucmerced.edu/mylab. Students must use the UC Merced VPN, when accessing from an off campus location. Since there will be no in-person labs this term due to the spread of COVID-19, students will join the Zoom meeting, mute themselves, and work on their projects. The virtual machines have all software needed for this course: image and video editors and statistical software. A TA will be available via Zoom for students seeking assistance and resolutions to problems with projects, including a design or development issues. Some labs will be dedicated to specific learning objectives, for example how to use common statistical tools or how to create a demonstration video.
Assessment & Grading Policy
Midterm | 30% | 10/13/2020 | Tuesday | 1:30 - 2:45 PM |
Project Presentation | 10% | 11/19/2020 - 12/08/2020 | Thursday - Tuesday | In Class |
Final Report | 20% | 12/07/2020 | Monday | By 11:59 PM |
Final | 40% | 12/14/2020 | Monday | 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM |
Lectures
- 08/27/2020, Thursday: Introduction
- 09/01/2020, Tuesday: Historical Perspective
- 09/03/2020, Thursday: Human Factors, Part I: Sensors
- 09/08/2020, Tuesday: Human Factor, Part II: Responders
- 09/10/2020, Thursday: Human Factor, Part III: Decision Making, Memory, and Stressors
- 09/15/2020, Tuesday: Interaction Elements, Part I: Control-Display Relationships
- 09/17/2020, Thursday: Interaction Elements, Part II: Mental Models
- 09/22/2020, Tuesday: Interaction Elements, Part III: Low-Cost/Fidelity Prototypes
- 09/24/2020, Thursday: Scientific Foundations, Part I: Facts, Theories, Laws
- 09/25/2020, Friday: Group Formation Due (by 11:59 PM)
- 09/29/2020, Tuesday: Scientific Foundations, Part II: Research vs. Engineering vs. Design
- 10/01/2020, Thursday: Scientific Foundations, Part III: Research Methods, Scales of Measurement
- 10/06/2020, Tuesday: Makeup Midterm (5:30 PM, 75 minutes) for those who will not be able to take the Midterm
- 10/06/2020, Tuesday: Scientific Foundations, Part IV: Internal and External Validity; Practice Exam Due
- 10/08/2020, Thursday: Revision Class for Midterm
- 10/13/2020, Tuesday : Midterm (1:30 PM, 75 minutes)
- 10/15/2020, Thursday: Designing HCI Experiments I: Variables
- 10/20/2020, Tuesday: Designing HCI Experiments II: Experiment Task, Procedure, and Sample
- 10/22/2020, Thursday: No Lecture
- 10/27/2020, Tuesday: Designing HCI Experiments III: Within- and Between-Subjects Design
- 10/30/2020, Friday: Make-up Class Data Collection/Logging
- 10/29/2020, Thursday: Midterm Discussion
- 11/03/2020, Tuesday: Hypothesis Testing I: Non-Parametric Tests
- 11/05/2020, Thursday: Hypothesis Testing II: Parametric Tests
- 11/10/2020, Tuesday: Modeling Interaction I: Descriptive
- 11/12/2020, Thursday: Modeling Interaction II: Predictive
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11/17/2020, Tuesday: Project Presentations
- Image Translator
- Health Tracker
- Alternative Keyboard Commands
- Dungeons and Dragons Match Up Application
- Smart Fit
- 2D Aim Trainer/Response Time Improvement
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11/19/2020, Thursday: Project Presentations, Part I
- 60% Productivity Keyboard
- OpenGL Color-based Reaction Timer
- Tablet Study Comparison
- Shortercut
- Sign Language Translator
- Effective In-dashboard Interface for Vehicle Information Display
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11/24/2020, Tuesday: Project Presentations, Part II
- Virtual Study Pet
- Mouse Volume Control
- Shop Reverse Search
- Video Game Voice Recognition
- Hand Gesture Shortcuts
- A Dynamic, Predictive Keyboard
- 11/26/2020, Thursday: No Lecture: Thanksgiving Day
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12/01/2020, Tuesday: Project Presentations, Part III
- Wave
- One Stop Shop Communication
- Mouse Sensitivity/Acceleration vs. Accuracy
- A Unique Approach to Game Movement
- Layout Gaze Game
- Emoji Typing Test App
- 11/30/2020, Monday: Midterm Stimulus Due (by 11:59 PM)
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12/03/2020, Thursday: Project Presentations, Part IV
- Contrast Ratios
- True Sight
- Usability of Different Types of Commercial Keyboards
- 12/04/2020, Friday: Presentation Slides Due (by 11:59 PM)
- 12/08/2020, Tuesday: Revision Class for Final
- 12/10/2018, Thursday: No Lecture: Instructor Away on Conference Duty
- 12/07/2020, Monday: Final Report Due (by 11:59 PM)
- 12/14/2020, Monday: Final Exam (11:30 AM)
Special Labs
- 09/18/2020, Friday: Project Discussion
- 10/23/2020, Friday: Project Discussion
- 11/27/2020, Friday: Statistical Tools Tutorial
- 12/02/2020, Wednesday: Statistical Tools Tutorial
- 12/04/2020, Friday: Statistical Tools Tutorial
- 12/02/2020, Wednesday: Demo Video Tutorial
- 12/04/2020, Friday: Demo Video Tutorial