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Human Computer Interaction
Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:07:47
Abstract
The course provides an introduction to the field of human-computer interaction and focuses on role of the user in system design. Methods used to analyze the user experience will be introduced to show how they inform the design of new interfaces, systems, and technologies. Emerging methods and tools in computational interaction and optimization for UI design will also be introduced.
Objective
The goal of the course is for students to understand the principles of user-centered design and be able to apply these in practice. Another goal is to understand the basic notions of Computational Design in a HCI context.
Content
The course will introduce students to several methods of analysing the user experience, showing how these can be used at different stages of system development from requirements analysis through to usability testing. Students will get experience of designing and carrying out user studies as well as analysing results. The course will also cover the basic principles of interaction design. Practical exercises related to touch and gesture-based interaction will be used to reinforce the concepts introduced in the lecture. To get students to further think beyond traditional system design, we will discuss issues related to ambient information and awareness.
Resources
Lecture Notes
All materials and details accessible throughhttps://siplab.ethz.ch/courses/human_computer_interaction/2025
Literature
Will be provided as part of the course
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- BSC , MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- end-of-semester examination
- Mode
- written 120 minutes
- Aids
- Non-programmable calculators are allowed during the BYOD end-of-term exam.
- Digital
- The examination takes place on your own device. Installation of SEB required.
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture | Human Computer Interaction | No time listed | 3 h weekly |
| exercise | Human Computer Interaction | No time listed | 2 h weekly |
| independent project | Human Computer Interaction | No time listed | 2 h weekly |
Offered In
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Core Courses (The Core Courses in the Master’s program Mechanical Engineering listed below are indicative and include courses designed by the Department at the Master's level. With the approval of the tutor, students may also select Master's-level courses offered by other departments at ETH. These courses will be marked as non-regular in the LAG, but their categorization as Core Courses is possible if included in the approved LAG.)
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Rehabilitation Technology (Studierende mit der Vertiefung Rehabilitation und Inklusion: Es müssen mind. 3 KP aus diesem Schwerpunkt gewählt werden.)
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Deep Track Courses (At least 20 credits must be completed within the deep track courses. Surplus credit points can be counted towards the electives.)
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Deep Track Robotics (These courses can be credited either as a specialization subject or as an elective subject.)
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