Topic outline

  • 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. This year, research topics are hosted by researchers at FCAI, the Finnish Center for AI. 

    Topic: The topic in 2021 is computational modeling: We implement, extend, validate, and deploy models of human-computer interaction:

      • Computational models of human perception, including models of aesthetics, saliency, and others. Most models in this genre are published in AI, CV, and HCI conferences between 2016 and 2020, and they use either deep learning or reinforcement learning.
      • Computational models of cognition, including models of visual search and task completion. Most models here utilize reinforcement learning.
    The models will be implemented on AIM: Aalto Interface Metrics server, and placed in the open repository. See interfacemetrics.aalto.fi

    We recommend taking ELEC-E7851 (Computational User Interface Design) prior to this course.  

    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.

    • Mandatory kickoff meeting on Thu Jan 14 at 8.15. Participation instructions will be emailed to enrolled students.

    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

    • 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 (virtual) 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 ranged between 4 and 12. The small group size of the course ensures intensive meetings with plenty of feedback, iteration, and a collaborative atmosphere. The maximum number of students is limited to 20. 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.