Interaction Methods (H1030)

15 credits, Level 5

Autumn teaching

What is this module about?

Interaction Design Methods runs over the first term. The theme as a whole is about achieving the best possible fit between people and products; intellectually, physically and emotionally.

Why is this module interesting/relevant in today’s world?

Interaction Design I conveys the basic understanding of interaction - conceptually, theoretically, and with a special focus on the relationship between humans and products/interactive systems.

How will this module benefit you?

We begin with an understanding of the primary aims for interaction with products.

What is exciting about this module?

You will explore the main concepts and characteristics of human interaction including an overview of the human sensory system (vision, auditory, touch, taste, and smell) and their relevance for interaction design. This module will subsequently emphasise the visual channel, considering relevant expert theories on Perception to inform both the three dimensional form and screen design.

How does this module relate to career development? How might it be useful to an engineer in their future career?

We will emphasise the relevance empathy tools, personas and scenarios as well as digital mobile and web-based interactive rapid prototyping tools to evaluate and present design ideas.

How does this module relate to the rest of the course? What does it prepare you for?

It will build upon Semiotic studies and prepare you for more challenging projects in second term and third year.

Teaching

27%: Practical (Laboratory)
73%: Seminar

Assessment

100%: Coursework (Project)

Contact hours and workload

This module is approximately 150 hours of work. This breaks down into about 22 hours of contact time and about 128 hours of independent study. The University may make minor variations to the contact hours for operational reasons, including timetabling requirements.

We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2024/25. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum.

We’ll make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.