Topic outline

  • General

    Overview: This course introduces the foundations of scientific research in the area of human-computer interaction. Students carry out an end-to-end research project during the course of a semester. In 2023, research topics are hosted by AI researchers at the Finnish Center for AI. 

    Topic: In 2023, the course focuses on AI-assisted design and interaction. Computational design is an exciting area that applies novel algorithms to computationally generate and evaluate designs, with applications in graphical user interface design, graphic design, engineering design, and so on. Another theme concerns adaptation of user interfaces to users. During the course, students plan and implement algorithmic methods that will be demonstrated in a prototype. Course code is to be released in GitHub.

    Requirements: We strongly recommend taking ELEC-E7852 (Computational Design and Interaction) prior to this course. If you have not taken this course, please consult Prof. Oulasvirta in advance about eligibility.

    Schedule and attendance: The course starts in mid January and continues until mid-May when final presentations take place. Maximum of 5 absences is permitted during the course..

    Learning objectives: 

    • Formulation of research problems  

    • User research methods

    • Representations of user research data

    • Design space analysis, task analysis

    • Sketching techniques

    • Model-based analysis of interface designs; optimization approaches

    • Research planning 

    • Research strategy

    • Modeling workflows

    • User testing; Experimental design; Statistical testing; Reporting empirical results

    • Data analysis and visualization methods for HCI data

    • Scientific reporting and presentations; pitching 

    Organization: One weekly meeting is organized until May, with the exception of April, when there's a break for independent research work. The beginning half of the course focuses on defining research problems and methods, the second on implementation and reporting.

    Learning in small groups: The number of students has historically ranged between 4 and 12. The small group size of the course ensures engaging meetings with plenty of feedback, iteration, and a collaborative atmosphere. The maximum number of students is limited to 12. In case there are more students wanting to join the course, selection will be based on study program and study success.

    CHI student research competition: Best student projects will be submitted to the CHI student research competition or similar.