Check out our programme presentation for an overview of the curriculum and information on course content and study schedule.
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Human-Computer Interaction
Applied Prototyping Skills for HCI (FHS)
| Semester | 1 |
|---|---|
| Academic year | 1 |
| Course code | HCIM1APSIL |
| Type | IL |
| Kind | Compulsory |
| Language of instruction | English |
| SWS | 4 |
| ECTS Credits | 6 |
| Examination character | immanent |
Lecture content:
This course covers different types of prototypes, HCI prototyping approaches and the practical skills necessary for implementing low-fidelity and high-fidelity prototypes. It considers factors of input, output, application domain, as well as common tools used to implement them. The course also provides the basics of electronics and how to connect hardware with software, including rapid prototyping skills.
Learning Outcomes:
Students will be able to define and explain the role of different types of prototypes in HCI and interaction design and they will be able to distinguish and choose diverse techniques and processes for prototyping. They will acquire necessary skills for practical implementation of user interface prototypes with different levels of fidelity combining various tools (2D, 3D, physical).
Superior module:
Prototyping & Technologies
Module description:
-
Basic Research Methods (PLUS)
| Semester | 1 |
|---|---|
| Academic year | 1 |
| Course code | HCIM1BRMUV |
| Type | UV |
| Kind | Compulsory |
| Language of instruction | English |
| SWS | 2 |
| ECTS Credits | 4 |
| Examination character | immanent |
Lecture content:
The course focuses on understanding qualitative and quantitative research approaches, including the particularities in designing, planning, and implementing qualitative and quantitative/experimental HCI studies. The course will have bounded exercises and is split in two main parts:
Learning Outcomes:
Students will be able to differentiate between qualitative and quantitative research approaches, study designs, and apply relevant methods in various contexts. They will acquire the skills to design studies, including formulating hypotheses, selecting study designs, and sampling, as well as to understand the nuances of data collection, documentation, and analysis across different research setups. Students will also gain practical experience in conducting and reporting on both quantitative (e.g., surveys, statistics) and qualitative (e.g., interviews, ethnography) research methods.
Superior module:
Contextual Methods
Module description:
-
Design thinking & Digital Innovation (FHS)
| Semester | 1 |
|---|---|
| Academic year | 1 |
| Course code | HCIM1DTDIL |
| Type | IL |
| Kind | Compulsory |
| Language of instruction | English |
| SWS | 2 |
| ECTS Credits | 3 |
| Examination character | immanent |
Lecture content:
The course centers around design thinking to form the foundation of digital innovation. Five phases of design thinking are introduced: empathize, define, ideate, prototype, test. The students will go through each of the five stages, leading up to a final presentation of their outcomes. The course will guide students to work creatively, collaboratively and iteratively on designing interactive systems and immersive experiences.
Learning Outcomes:
Students will understand design in HCI and be able to implement a design thinking process. They will know how to identify user needs, formulate a problem statement and conceptualize ideas and develop, evaluate and iterate a lo-fi prototype. They will be able to discuss and critically reflect on design decisions
Superior module:
Design & Interaction
Module description:
-
Diversity & Intercultural Aspects (FHS)
| Semester | 1 |
|---|---|
| Academic year | 1 |
| Course code | HCIM1DIAVO |
| Type | VO |
| Kind | Compulsory |
| Language of instruction | English |
| SWS | 1 |
| ECTS Credits | 1.5 |
| Examination character | final |
Lecture content:
The course covers the heterogeneity of today¿s users through engaging with various overlapping attributes of an individual¿s identity, gender aspects, and societal aspects of HCI by the examination and discussion of examples and case studies.
Learning Outcomes:
Students will be able to define terms, approaches and models related to diversity and interculturality in HCI. They will know how to consider various societal, ethical and intersectional aspects of users¿ identities in HCI-related cases, and they will be able to collaborate with people from different cultures.
Superior module:
Ethics, Diversity & Society
Module description:
-
Ethics & Sustainability (FHS)
| Semester | 1 |
|---|---|
| Academic year | 1 |
| Course code | HCIM1ETSIL |
| Type | IL |
| Kind | Compulsory |
| Language of instruction | English |
| SWS | 1 |
| ECTS Credits | 1.5 |
| Examination character | immanent |
Lecture content:
This course centres around the annual Symposium on Ethics and Sustainability, which provides the opportunity to take part in diverse talks from experts on a specific topic related to current developments related to sustainability and ethics and participate in an interdisciplinary workshop with students from diverse study backgrounds. The topic of the symposium varies every year. Complementary to the symposium, the lecture will introduce relevant terminologies from HCI and sensitize students in discussions to engage with topics of ethics and sustainability in relation to HCI.
Learning Outcomes:
Students know important social and ecological challenges and will be able to discuss and critically reflect current socio-economic crises and their relevance and related responsibility in regards to HCI. Students will be able to analyse and reflect on ethicalmoral dilemmas, evaluate opinions from a lecture in their own context of action, argue social issues with a view to their own professional environment, articulate and justify their own opinion in a group discussion. Students understand the connections between cause and effect of issues with socio-ecological implications.
Superior module:
Ethics, Diversity & Society
Module description:
-
Foundations of HCI Methodologies (PLUS)
| Semester | 1 |
|---|---|
| Academic year | 1 |
| Course code | HCIM1FHMVP |
| Type | VP |
| Kind | Compulsory |
| Language of instruction | English |
| SWS | 2 |
| ECTS Credits | 2 |
| Examination character | immanent |
Lecture content:
This course provides a comprehensive overview of diverse HCI research and designoriented methodologies and their historic routes. The course focuses on the differences and commonalities of these methodologies regarding their purpose (e.g., design-led or research-led) as well as their epistemic and ontological commitments. This is done by critically discussing a variety of examples from research and practice.
Learning Outcomes:
Students will be able to name, explain and discuss HCI research and design-oriented methodologies and their related methods. They will be able to characterize and differentiate HCI research and design-oriented methodologies and their respective ontologies, epistemologies, aims, methods and applications.
Superior module:
Contextual Methods
Module description:
-
Human Factors & Design Principles (PLUS)
| Semester | 1 |
|---|---|
| Academic year | 1 |
| Course code | HCIM1HFDVO |
| Type | VO |
| Kind | Compulsory |
| Language of instruction | English |
| SWS | 2 |
| ECTS Credits | 2 |
| Examination character | final |
Lecture content:
The course covers basics in human factors and corresponding principles of user interfaces. The course emphasizes individual human factors and their influence on the design of user interfaces. It discusses pros and cons of several forms of user input and output modalities. It discusses future aspects of human factors and design in an automated world and introduces concepts of universal design.
Learning Outcomes:
Students will be able to name, explain, illustrate and discuss human factors and design principles. They will know and be able to apply HCI laws in research and design.
Superior module:
Design & Interaction
Module description:
-
Interaction Design (PLUS)
| Semester | 1 |
|---|---|
| Academic year | 1 |
| Course code | HCIM1INDIL |
| Type | UV |
| Kind | Compulsory |
| Language of instruction | English |
| SWS | 2 |
| ECTS Credits | 3 |
| Examination character | immanent |
Lecture content:
The course introduces the basics of interaction design and the cognitive processes that underlie interaction. It will tackle core skills of design: (re-)framing problems and objectives, unveiling and understanding constraints, mitigating biases (of users and designers), synthesizing solutions, envisioning and selecting alternatives, prototyping intended solutions. The combination of different interaction modalities and the application of appropriate interaction design principles and approaches are practiced based on guided examples.
Learning Outcomes:
Students will be able to define basic terms and approaches related to interaction design in HCI. They will be able to design the interaction between users and interactive systems by applying appropriate interaction design methods and processes.
Superior module:
Design & Interaction
Module description:
-
Society, Responsibility & Legal Aspects (FHS)
| Semester | 1 |
|---|---|
| Academic year | 1 |
| Course code | HCIM1SRLVO |
| Type | VO |
| Kind | Compulsory |
| Language of instruction | English |
| SWS | 2 |
| ECTS Credits | 3 |
| Examination character | final |
Lecture content:
The course covers professional ethics, ethical guidelines of various professional associations and discussions of case studies. It outlines the protection of intellectual properties, registered designs, media law and GDPR conformity in the working practice of HCI and the HCI-related aspects of data protection, privacy and security. The course further covers perspectives on responsible research and innovation.
Learning Outcomes:
Students are able to recall and discuss societal and legal aspects in relation to HCI such as intellectual property rights, protection of data privacy (e.g., GDPR). Students are able to differentiate problem areas which can arise from current technical developments in the professional field of HCI and can argue for a reflected viewpoint taking into account their responsibility as HCI researchers and practitioners.
Superior module:
Ethics, Diversity & Society
Module description:
-
Advanced Research Methods (JOINT)
| Semester | 2 |
|---|---|
| Academic year | 1 |
| Course code | HCIM2ARMUV |
| Type | UV |
| Kind | Compulsory |
| Language of instruction | English |
| SWS | 3 |
| ECTS Credits | 6 |
| Examination character | immanent |
Lecture content:
In this course, students will experiment with various study designs (e.g., experimental, qualitative) and related HCI research methods through designing, planning, and implementing small-scale studies. The course provides an overview of the breadth of contemporary (empirical and design) research methods and provides the opportunity to explore the potentials and pitfalls of selected methods in depth. Students will be conducting a series of studies in temporary subgroups and will therefore learn about research ethics and analysis methods.
Learning Outcomes:
Students will gain an overview of the heterogeneity of contemporary HCI research methods. Based on that, they will be able to name, choose and implement diverse (empirical and design) research methods that are common in HCI. They will gain a sensitivity towards differences in quality criteria, choosing methods for a specific research context and preparing needed study materials.
Superior module:
Contextual Methods
Module description:
-
Contextual Experience Engineering (PLUS)
| Semester | 2 |
|---|---|
| Academic year | 1 |
| Course code | HCIM2CEEUV |
| Type | UV |
| Kind | Compulsory |
| Language of instruction | English |
| SWS | 2 |
| ECTS Credits | 4 |
| Examination character | immanent |
Lecture content:
This course provides a systematic introduction to usability and experience engineering, overall approaches and methods in engineering processes and their application to HCI. The course will focus on the basics of requirements engineering and analysis activities, specifically, on the mapping to real application contexts and insights from real world practices as well as methodological insights in the context of practical application.
Learning Outcomes:
Students will be able to select and explain usability and experience engineering, its methods and apply them to HCI use cases.
Superior module:
Design & Interaction
Module description:
-
HCI Research Project (JOINT)
| Semester | 2 |
|---|---|
| Academic year | 1 |
| Course code | HCIM2HRPPT |
| Type | PT |
| Kind | Compulsory |
| Language of instruction | English |
| SWS | 3 |
| ECTS Credits | 8 |
| Examination character | immanent |
Lecture content:
In this course, students will learn to conduct a cohesive, scientific research project. Students will develop research questions and carry out a research project that will result in the design of prototypes. Students will analyze relevant literature and applications. They will engage with users through interviews (or similar methods), analyze and interpret the results. Based on this, students will conduct a design process that includes the conceptualization and design of an interactive prototype. This prototype will be evaluated with end-users. Students will report on their work in a scientific paper presented at the HCI students conference at the end of the semester. The course can potentially lead to the submission of papers to an HCI conference. Students will be coached along this entire process.
Learning Outcomes:
Students will be able to apply theoretical knowledge, as well as technological and methodological skills to master a complex research problem. They will be able to formulate well-defined research questions and conceptualize an appropriate study. They will be able to select and apply a methodological approach and analyze their data and interpret their findings. The students will know how to translate the findings to a design process, which results in an interactive prototype that is tested and iterated based on user feedback. They will be able to document and reflect on their design process, write a scientific research paper and prepare and present their work in a conference presentation.
Superior module:
HCI & Research
Module description:
-
Interaction Approaches & Technologies (FHS)
| Semester | 2 |
|---|---|
| Academic year | 1 |
| Course code | HCIM2IATLB |
| Type | LB |
| Kind | Compulsory |
| Language of instruction | English |
| SWS | 4 |
| ECTS Credits | 6 |
| Examination character | immanent |
Lecture content:
This course introduces the concepts and functionalities of different interaction technologies and the fundamental building blocks for different interactions (e.g., motion, haptics, sound, physical materials) in different thematic lab sessions. By exploring, experimenting, and prototyping, students design future digital-physical interactions for specific application areas.
Learning Outcomes:
Students will be able to compare, select, utilize, adapt and implement different interaction technologies according to an application area. Students will be able to conceptualize and implement a prototype combining multiple interaction modalities and fundamental building blocks of different interactions.
Superior module:
Prototyping & Technologies
Module description:
-
Lecture Series: HCI & related Disciplines (JOINT)
| Semester | 2 |
|---|---|
| Academic year | 1 |
| Course code | HCIM2LESKO |
| Type | KO |
| Kind | Compulsory |
| Language of instruction | English |
| SWS | 2 |
| ECTS Credits | 1 |
| Examination character | immanent |
Lecture content:
This course is a lecture series with invited speakers from the field of HCI and related disciplines, such as psychology, cognitive science, social sciences, behavioural science, design research, data science, information technology and computer science. The topics of the lectures vary depending on the experts and may include visits to dedicated research facilities. The relationships with and influences of the different disciplines, approaches and contexts on HCI are discussed to provide an introduction to the interdisciplinarity of the research field of HCI.
Learning Outcomes:
Students will be able to widen their interdisciplinary understanding of HCI as a field, as well as recent trends in related scientific disciplines and are able to reflect their applicability to dedicated HCI contexts.
Superior module:
HCI & Research
Module description:
-
Research Trends in HCI (PLUS)
| Semester | 2 |
|---|---|
| Academic year | 1 |
| Course code | HCIM2RETSE |
| Type | SE |
| Kind | Compulsory |
| Language of instruction | English |
| SWS | 2 |
| ECTS Credits | 3 |
| Examination character | immanent |
Lecture content:
This course introduces HCI related conferences, journals, international HCI research groups, and national and international HCI related project calls. By analyzing these sources, students will understand how to identify and derive current research trends in HCI and engage with them.
Learning Outcomes:
Students will be able to identify trends based on literature, conferences, HCI groups and funding calls. They will be able to identify success factors of HCI research. They will be able to reflect and discuss research trends in HCI.
Superior module:
HCI & Research
Module description:
-
Complex Adaptive Systems & Innovation (FHS)
| Semester | 3 |
|---|---|
| Academic year | 2 |
| Course code | HCIM3CASIL |
| Type | IL |
| Kind | Compulsory |
| Language of instruction | English |
| SWS | 2 |
| ECTS Credits | 3 |
| Examination character | immanent |
Lecture content:
In this course, students will learn what complexity means for organizational structures, product development processes, innovation, and the management of systems. Based on selected case studies, this course covers actual development processes and different philosophies and their benefits and shortcomings (e.g., agile development) as well as technological and organizational system complexity in industry. This includes the confrontation with existing technical interfaces and infrastructures, established operational processes and stakeholders on multiple hierarchical levels. Additionally, the course shows how decisions influence organizational design and the impact on customers. The course ends with an assignment to conceptualize and organize the integration of an interactive system or service in a predefined industrial environment.
Learning Outcomes:
Students will be able to identify and examine challenges in industrial settings accompanying development processes of complex adaptive systems or services.
Superior module:
HCI & Practice
Module description:
-
Experience Leadership (PLUS)
| Semester | 3 |
|---|---|
| Academic year | 2 |
| Course code | HCIM3ELESE |
| Type | SE |
| Kind | Compulsory |
| Language of instruction | English |
| SWS | 2 |
| ECTS Credits | 4 |
| Examination character | immanent |
Lecture content:
The course covers essential management skills and principles to develop, establish and maintain a holistic UX strategy. Based on existing positive and negative examples, the impact of experience leadership and management is examined in depth.
Learning Outcomes:
Students will be able to apply management skills and principles to develop, establish and maintain holistic UX strategies for industrial settings.
Superior module:
HCI & Industries
Module description:
-
HCI Futures (JOINT)
| Semester | 3 |
|---|---|
| Academic year | 2 |
| Course code | HCIM3HCFSE |
| Type | SE |
| Kind | Compulsory |
| Language of instruction | English |
| SWS | 2 |
| ECTS Credits | 3 |
| Examination character | immanent |
Lecture content:
The course gives an overview of methods to assess, classify and envision the impact of future technologies regarding individual, societal and environmental consequences and introduces related theoretical knowledge. Based on case studies, the analysis, estimation, and envisioning of individual, societal, and environmental impacts of novel technologies will be practiced through an HCI-centric lense.
Learning Outcomes:
Students will be able to analyse, estimate and speculate about potential impacts of new technologies on society and the environment based on possible application areas. Students can name, apply and discuss different futuring methods.
Superior module:
Theories & Future
Module description:
-
HCI Industry Project (JOINT)
| Semester | 3 |
|---|---|
| Academic year | 2 |
| Course code | HCIM3HIPPT |
| Type | PT |
| Kind | Compulsory |
| Language of instruction | English |
| SWS | 2 |
| ECTS Credits | 8 |
| Examination character | immanent |
Lecture content:
The course starts with the presentation of a complex real-world problem by an industry stakeholder or other institution. Students will conduct, organise and manage a project that results in the development of an interactive solution for this problem. During the course students will continuously engage with the industry stakeholders to negotiate their ideas and get feedback. Students will be coached along this entire process.
Learning Outcomes:
Students will be able to master a project that starts with a complex real-world problem in HCI and ends up with a feasible solution for the given problem. Students will be able to manage and organize an industrial project. They will be able to identify requirements and needs from their industry partner. They will reflect on, discuss and implement the suggestions from industry in a meaningful way. The students will apply their practical prototyping skills and work iteratively on developing the best solution. They will know how to document and present the project according to professional standards.
Superior module:
HCI & Industries
Module description:
-
Master Thesis Preparation (JOINT)
| Semester | 3 |
|---|---|
| Academic year | 2 |
| Course code | HCIM3MTPSE |
| Type | SE |
| Kind | Compulsory |
| Language of instruction | English |
| SWS | 1 |
| ECTS Credits | 1 |
| Examination character | immanent |
Lecture content:
Students will be introduced to the HCI master thesis guidelines. They will be informed about the requirements of an HCI master thesis and the final master exam and introduced to formalities of the process. They will discuss potential research questions, and appropriate methods. They will be introduced to scientific writing and ethical standards. During the course, each student will develop a master thesis exposé and identify a corresponding supervisor.
Learning Outcomes:
Students will be well prepared for their Master thesis and Master thesis exam. They will be informed about the requirements, formalities and expectations, and have finalised an exposé for their thesis topic.
Superior module:
Theories & Future
Module description:
-
Theories in HCI (PLUS)
| Semester | 3 |
|---|---|
| Academic year | 2 |
| Course code | HCIM3HTHVP |
| Type | VP |
| Kind | Compulsory |
| Language of instruction | English |
| SWS | 2 |
| ECTS Credits | 2 |
| Examination character | final |
Lecture content:
This course provides a comprehensive overview of theories that are relevant in HCI research. Starting with a historical overview of HCI research, this course will focus on theories that have been influential in HCI, such as cognitive or social theories. Contemporary theories and turns will be introduced to discuss their purposes and applications in HCI research and practice.
Learning Outcomes:
Students will be able to name, explain and discuss theories relevant in HCI. Students know the purpose and application of theory in HCI research and practice.
Superior module:
Theories & Future
Module description:
-
User Experience In Practice (FHS)
| Semester | 3 |
|---|---|
| Academic year | 2 |
| Course code | HCIM3UEPIL |
| Type | IL |
| Kind | Compulsory |
| Language of instruction | English |
| SWS | 2 |
| ECTS Credits | 3 |
| Examination character | immanent |
Lecture content:
The course covers methods and procedures in theory and practice as well as the application of organizational, methodological, technological and design skills to practical problems introduced by industry stakeholders. The course introduces practical methods and best practices to advocate for the users while bolstering support with industry stakeholders in a way that builds better team cohesion and improves user experiences.
Learning Outcomes:
Students will understand and characterise the role of UX in HCI industry. They will be able to apply organizational, methodological, technological and design principles to economically improve the user experience addressing given real-world industrial problems.
Superior module:
HCI & Practice
Module description:
-
Master Exam (JOINT)
| Semester | 4 |
|---|---|
| Academic year | 2 |
| Course code | HCIM4MAEMP |
| Type | DP |
| Kind | Compulsory |
| Language of instruction | English |
| SWS | 0 |
| ECTS Credits | 4 |
| Examination character | final |
Lecture content:
Students will be able to present acquired knowledge orally using digital support materials. They will be able to prove their specialist and methodical knowledge by discussing aspects of their master¿s thesis, relevant subjects of the curriculum and other curriculum and relevant content with a professional audience.
Learning Outcomes:
Students will be able to present acquired knowledge orally using digital support materials. They will be able to prove their specialist and methodical knowledge by discussing aspects of their master¿s thesis, relevant subjects of the curriculum and other curriculum and relevant content with a professional audience.
Superior module:
Master Seminar and Exam
Module description:
-
Master Thesis (JOINT)
| Semester | 4 |
|---|---|
| Academic year | 2 |
| Course code | HCIM4MATIT |
| Type | IT |
| Kind | Diploma/master thesis |
| Language of instruction | English |
| SWS | 0 |
| ECTS Credits | 25 |
| Examination character | immanent |
Lecture content:
-
Learning Outcomes:
-
Superior module:
Master Thesis
Module description:
-
Master Thesis Seminar (JOINT)
| Semester | 4 |
|---|---|
| Academic year | 2 |
| Course code | HCIM4MTSSE |
| Type | SE |
| Kind | Compulsory |
| Language of instruction | English |
| SWS | 1 |
| ECTS Credits | 1 |
| Examination character | immanent |
Lecture content:
The course covers comprehensive and diverse disputation of terms, objectives, structures, core elements, tools and challenges of the master thesis. In a discussion within the peer group, students defend and reflect on the scientific question of their master thesis, its contribution, as well as the scientific methods used.
Learning Outcomes:
Students will be able to reflect and discuss scientific question of their master¿s thesis as well as the scientific methods used. They will be able to provide feedback to their costudents and implement feedback they receive
Superior module:
Master Seminar and Exam
Module description:
-
| Legend | |
| Semester | Semesters 1, 3, 5: courses held only in winter semester (mid-September to end of January), Semesters 2, 4, 6: courses held only in summer semester (mid-February to end of June) |
| SWS | weekly contact hours over 14 weeks in semester (example SWS 2 equals 28 contact hours for the whole course |
| ECTS Credits | Work load in ECTS credits, 1 ECTS credit equals an estimated 25 hours of work for the student |
| Type | BP = Bachelor final exam DP/MP = Master final exam IL = Lecture with integrated project work IT = Individual training/phases LB = Lab (session) PS = Pro-seminar PT = Project RC = Course with integrated reflective practice RE = Revision course SE = Seminar TU = Tutorial UB = Practice session/Subject practical sessions VO = Lecture |