Please note! Course description is confirmed for two academic years, which means that in general, e.g. Learning outcomes, assessment methods and key content stays unchanged. However, via course syllabus, it is possible to specify or change the course execution in each realization of the course, such as how the contact sessions are organized, assessment methods weighted or materials used.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

  • Develop embodied interactive systems using various techniques and tools, such as gesture recognition, computer-vision tools and biometric sensors.
  • Identify and explain the roles of the body, space, and social interaction in designing interactive experiences.
  • Apply the notion of proxemics to their creative practice.
  • Identify and apply theoretical frameworks for embodied interaction
  • Outline and explain historical and contemporary examples of embodied interaction in the context of interactive art and HCI research.

Credits: 6

Schedule: 04.03.2021 - 09.04.2021

Teacher in charge (valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022): Matti Niinimäki

Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Matti Niinimäki

Contact information for the course (valid 27.01.2021-21.12.2112):

matti.niinimaki@aalto.fi

CEFR level (applies in this implementation):

Language of instruction and studies (valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022):

Teaching language: English

Languages of study attainment: English

CONTENT, ASSESSMENT AND WORKLOAD

Content
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    The course presents embodied interaction through lectures, technical demonstrations, and discussions on various related topics. The focus is on creating experimental interactive systems for interactive installations and performances.

    The students will explore the topic through readings, small assignments, and a final project presented at the end of the course.

Assessment Methods and Criteria
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    80% attendance and completed assignments and final project. The students can work either on their own projects or offer solutions to ongoing design projects at Media Lab.

    More details on the assessment methods and criteria can be found in the course syllabus for each implementation of the course.

Workload
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    • 6 ECTS
    • 160h workload
    • 36h of lectures and demonstrations
    • 124h of independent work (inluding time for reflection)

    A minimum attendace of 80% to the lectures is required.

    This is a project-based course; at the end of the course, students will submit and present their group or individual projects. The projects will be exhibited in an exhibition or performance at the end of the course.

DETAILS

Study Material
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    • Dourish, Paul. Where the Action Is: The Foundations of Embodied Interaction. Cambridge (Mass.): MIT Press, 2001.
    • Hall, Edward Twitchell. The Hidden Dimension. Garden City (NY): Doubleday, 1969.
    • Kwastek, Katja. Aesthetics of Interaction in Digital Art. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press, 2015.

  • Applies in this implementation:

    This course uses an external website for all the materials:

Substitutes for Courses
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    DOM-E5125 Embodied interaction

Prerequisites
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    Required:

    • Introduction to Creative Coding
    • Electronics for Artists
    • Interaction Design Course

    Or equivalent knowledge and skills in programming, electronics and interaction design.

    Recommended:

    • Multitouch Interaction
    • Physical Interaction Design
    • Audiovisual Studio (recommended to be taken at the same time as this course)

Registration for Courses
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    In Weboodi, at the latest one week before the course starts.

    Maximum 15 students.

    Students must meet all prerequisites and have the course in their approved study plan. Priority will be given to fulltime MA in New Media students as this course is an integral part of their alternative studies.

  • Applies in this implementation:

    The course will be taught in a hybrid mode (on campus and remotely). Due to the Covid-19 restrictions, the class size for the lectures on campus is limited.

    The actual course arrangements will be communicated ASAP.

    To get the full experience of this year's course. Please also join the DOM-E5099 Audiovisual Studio
    course. Both courses will benefit from each other. The
    number of students that can be admitted to the course this year
    is very limited due to the Covid-19 restrictions, students who take both
    courses and have completed all prerequisites will have priority.