Tangible interaction

The course can be part of the following programmes:

1. Computer Science, Master's Programme (N2COS)
2. Computer Science, Bachelor's Programme (N1COS)

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 hec. Special requirements are the course TIA108 Prototyping in Interaction Design 7.5 credits and a course in Human-Computer Interaction (TIG095) 7.5 credits or the equivalent.

To be eligible for this course as a programme student in the Computer Science Bachelor´s Programme, N1COS, the student must have passed at least 90 credits in programme courses and the addditional courses TIG095 Human Computer Interaction 7.5 credits and TIA108 Prototyping in Interaction Design 7.5 credits or the equivalent.

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

Tangible interaction is based on physical interfaces that are either specifically developed for one system or for those that in new ways, allows interaction with computer systems.

The course puts the skills and knowledge acquired in the prototyping course into an applied context. Tangible interaction deals with computational technology and services and offers both theoretical and practical educational modalities. Lectures will present theory and development of tangible interaction and draws from research and commercial practice. Technologies such as sensors, actuators and smart materials are presented from a perspective of human interaction and use.

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

Knowledge and understanding

• Explain how computational technology can be used for design of interactive systems,
• Explain human cognition and motor skills,
• Explain how human cognition and motor skills can guide the design and evaluation of tangible user interfaces,
• Explain theories of tangible interaction.

Competence and skills

• Design and realize interactive prototypes using tangible interface components,
• Choose appropriate and economic use of advanced components and corresponding techniques,
• Reflect on the relation between spatiality, form, and temporality in tangible interaction design.

Judgement and approach

• Criticize and discuss computer-based tangible artifacts,
• Question in which way computational technology is shaping our present and future society and way of life,
• Reflect on sustainability issues such as energy consumption and material waste caused by novel computational systems and devices.

Education is performed through lectures, workshops and a group project.

Language of instruction: English

The course is examined through two modules:

1. Project 4 credits, and
2. Individual Written Home Essay 3.5 credits.

Assessment is based on a group project performed in the studios, as well as an individual home essay.

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. Take home examination, 3.5 credits
   Grading scale: Pass with distinction (5), Pass with credit (4), Pass (3) and Fail (U)
2. Project, 4 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).

A pass grade requires passing grades on both sub-courses. The grade is a weighted combintion of the sub-course grades.

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 TIA107, 7.5 credits. The course cannot be included in a degree which contains TIA107. Neither can the course be included in a degree which is based on another degree in which the course TIA107 is included.