ITI41322 Experimental, Quantitative and Computational Approaches to Interaction Design (Autumn 2026)

Recommended pre-knowledge:

• at least 80 ECTS credits in computer science, of which at least 20 ECTS credits in programming.

• basic knowledge in human computer interaction

If you don’t have basic knowledge in human computer interaction, HiØ offers a digital learning module in the topic in the beginning of the first semester.

The theoretical aspect of the course provides an in-depth discussion on the application of quantitative and computational methods in interaction design and human computer interaction. The students are presented ways to quantify usability, user behaviour, and user experience as it emerges in common and emerging interactive settings involving different technologies.

Relevant theory in experiment design and analysis is presented. Appropriate methods for statistical analysis are presented and discussed.

In the project work, students get involved in the design, data collection, and statistical analysis of one or more experiment(s) that address an aspect of an interaction design problem after reviewing relevant literature within a domain that is suggested or approved by the lecturer. Subsequently, they write a short scientific paper presenting their results.

Knowledge

The candidate understands:

• use of quantitative and computational methods in designing different interaction design settings
• experiment design and analysis
• quantitative descriptors of usability, users experience, affective and embodied aspects of interaction
• quantitative evaluation of user performance and experience

Skills

The candidate can:

• review literature and develop relevant hypotheses
• select quantitative measures for evaluating hypotheses
• design, plan, and execute experiments to gather data as appropriate for the different stages of the design process with a focus on evaluation
• apply statistical methods for analysing data from experiments
• reflect and discuss on the outcome of the experiments
• understand strengths and limitations of quantitative methods

General competence

The candidate:

• develops critical skills required for developing and testing hypotheses
• develops group work skills

The following methods are used:

• Presentations
• Supervision
• Workshops
• Reading and discussing literature
• Project Work

The student must during the semester:

• complete and present at least one lecturer approved project (individually or in groups of 2-4 students) in which one (or more) empirical quantitative user study is designed, executed, analysed and discussed

Coursework requirement must be accepted to qualify for the exam.

Individual written exam and project paper (individually or in groups of 2-4 students)

The exam is divided into two parts, each part counting 50%:

• Individual written exam based on the course curriculum. Duration 2 hours. No supporting materials allowed.
• Project paper (individually or in groups of 2-4 students) based on the project.

Grading scale A - F in both parts. Both parts of the exam must be passed to pass the course. The student will get an individual joint grade for the entire course.

Resit / rescheduled exam is carried out at the same time as the next ordinary examination. The department management can nevertheless decide to arrange a resit exam in the following semester.

Upon re-examination, each part of the examination can be retaken.

This course is evaluated by a:

• Final course evaluation

The responsible for the course compiles a report based on the feedback from the students and his/her own experience with the course. The report is discussed by the study quality committee at the Department of Computer Science and Communication.