Prototyping in interaction design

The course can be part of the following programmes:

1. Computer Science, Master's Programme (N2COS)
2. Game Design & Technology Master's Programme (N2GDT)

The course is a also a single-subject course at Gothenburg University.

To be eligible for the course the student must have a Bachelor degree of 180 credits. Additionally, a course in Human - computer interaction, 7.5 credits, is required.

Applicants must prove knowledge of English: English 6/English level 2 or the equivalent level of an internationally recognized test, for example TOEFL, IELTS.

The course gives an introduction to, and practice in, creation of different types of prototypes in Interaction Design. The contents cover both physical prototypes (e.g. paper prototypes, prototyping through controllers and micro-controllers, and prototyping through tinkering and physical modelling) and digital, screen-based prototypes (sketching and video prototypes). The course also gives an understanding of what to test with different prototypes, and when.

After completion of the course the student should be able to:

Knowledge and understanding

• Describe how prototypes are used in interaction design.
• List the pros and cons with different types of prototypes.
• Explain what can be learned from a certain prototype and why.
• Explain what can not be learned from a certain prototype and why.

Competence and skills

• create physical prototypes in various materials, with various techniques
• create video prototypes to present a concept or proposal
• create simple sketch prototypes
• create digital/physical prototypes
• perform basic programming of micro-controllers connected to sensors and actuators
• program simple interactive prototypes

Judgement and approach

• decide which type of prototype to use in order to find out what needs to be learned or tested, taking possible constraints into account, e.g. time and budget
• apply early stage evaluations
• incorporate suitable prototypes at the right stages in a design process

Education is performed through lectures, workshops, and hands-on lab tasks.

Language of instruction: English

The course is examined through two modules:

1. Participation in workshops and oral and written presentation of these
2. Group project report

If a student who has been failed twice for the same examination element wishes to change examiner before the next examination session, such a request is to be granted unless there are specific reasons to the contrary (Chapter 6 Section 22 HF).

If a student has received a certificate of disability study support from the University of Gothenburg with a recommendation of adapted examination and/or adapted forms of assessment, an examiner may decide, if this is consistent with the course’s intended learning outcomes and provided that no unreasonable resources would be needed, to grant the student adapted examination and/or adapted forms of assessment.

If a course has been discontinued or undergone major changes, the student must be offered at least two examination sessions in addition to ordinary examination sessions. These sessions are to be spread over a period of at least one year but no more than two years after the course has been discontinued/changed. The same applies to placement and internship (VFU) except that this is restricted to only one further examination session.

If a student has been notified that they fulfil the requirements for being a student at Riksidrottsuniversitetet (RIU student), to combine elite sports activities with studies, the examiner is entitled to decide on adaptation of examinations if this is done in accordance with the Local rules regarding RIU students at the University of Gothenburg.

Sub-courses

1. Participation in workshops and oral and written presentations, 4 credits
   Grading scale: Pass (G) and Fail (U)
2. Group project report, 3.5 credits
   Grading scale: Pass with distinction (5), Pass with credit (4), Pass (3) and Fail (U)

The grading scale comprises: Pass with distinction (5), Pass with credit (4), Pass (3) and Fail (U).

In order to pass the course students need to pass both modules. Generally a 3 means that the student shows basic skill and understanding of physical as well as screen-based prototyping. A 5 means that the student presents a deepened knowledge and besides technical skills also presents critical and reflective capabilities.

The course is evaluated through meetings both during and after the course between teachers and student representatives. Further, an anonymous questionnaire is used to ensure written information. The outcome of the evaluations serves to improve the course by indication which parts could be added, improved, changed or removed.

The course is a joint course together with Chalmers.

The course replaces the course TIA108, 7.5 credits. The course cannot be included in a degree which contains TIA108. Neither can the course be included in a degree which is based on another degree in which the course TIA108 is included.