Admission requirements
Not applicable.
Description
Every system equipped with a microprocessor has some kind of user interface for its operation. The interface dictates the interaction with which one can operate the system. In the past decades this has been elaborated for computers and computer programs. The interaction between the human operator a computer system has been studied in the field of Human Computer Interaction. This field offers a lot of methodology to be able to produce efficient interactions for all kinds of technology.
This era computing, and in particular interactive computing, is often focused on processing data. In order to understand the processing of large data sets, visualizations are produced and these visualizations require further interaction to experience the meaning of the data. Interactive Information Visualization can be very supportive in conveying ideas on data.
Information Visualization, InfoVis in short, takes the theory of interactive computing as a basis. There are a number of general concepts one needs to know for the visualization of information. These concepts are easily connected with the design elements that are used in interactive computing.
In the lectures (13) the underlying principles for the design of the computer interface and interaction are discussed. This includes aspects of human perception, cognitive processes and memory but also subjects directly related to interface and interaction design, i.e. metaphors, widgets, windowing systems and object orientation. In the modern approach of Human Computer Interaction, the user is the pivot of the design trajectory. Design methods are based on this principle and this will be clear in discussion of problem analysis, prototyping, evaluation and usability. The interactive elements and design elements are connected the concepts that are underlying information visualization. In this manner technology, data and interaction can be efficiently included in an interface. The practical part allows to work with all kinds of technology to develop an good interactive experience with data; e.g. VR, Tablets, Kinects etc. This is illustrated in the lectures by recent developments in interactive Information Visualization.
The students in this course are taking part of either the regular Computer Science, Data Science and AI, BioInformatics, or of the Mediatechnology (MT) programme. In addition, the course is included in the minor Data Science. The course consists of two parts: (1) Theory of Interactive Computing and Information Visualzation and (2) Practical assignment for Interactive Information Visualization. Documentation and assignment is made available via the website of this course.
There are two separate uSis-codes; for the bachelor studies: 4032HCIIVY; and for the master 4383HCIIVY
Course objectives
Course objectives Interactive computing and Information Visualization are:
Being able to apply the major principles of interaction design and infoviz (protoyping, usability & evaluation)
Being able to work in a team.
Apply the key concepts in the trajectory of designing and implementing an interactive product.
Substantiate these concepts to a practical research plan and to study the usability of an interactive infoviz application.
Create the interactive information visualization in a "short" dedicated project.
Being able to critically assess the design process through a research question and reflect on results wrt the research question.
Presenting the idea of the design and the final product produced.
Write a scientific report on the results
Write and reflect on the results
Timetable
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Mode of instruction
In the first part of the semester, twice a week there is a lecture (2 lecture hours) in whcih a subject on Interactive Information Visualiaztion is introduced. After the lecture series is completed (mid-October) the focus will shoft to the monitoring of the practical part. Students work in a team of two on a project on Interactive InfoVis that is agreed with the course administration. In this period each team presents their project as well as their progress to workgroup of other students and course-administration. In this manner, for all students working on the projects, this addresses presentation skills and feedback, exercise in critical evaluation and inspiration for the project. The presentations are scheduled at the same time as the normal lecture-hours. A schedule regarding the presentation date will be made after evaluation of work plans of alle teams in the course. The composition of a presentation session is made such to stimulate active participation of all students attending.
Assessment method
Written exams (35%)
Theoretical concepts as presented in the lectures and reading materials will be tested through 4 (short) written exams. These exams (subtests) are planned in the first part of the semester and align the the progression of the lecture series. Attending the tests is obligatory. The combined average grade of these exams contributes 35% to the overall course grade. The exact dates of the tests and how it is planned in the lectures will be announced in the onset of the lecture series. If the average score of the exams is lower than 5.5, students should attend a retake of one of tests. If after retake not a sufficient score is realized, a retake exam covering the theory of all the lectures will be necessary. If the score of the tests is below 5.5, the grades for the subgrades are not kept for a next year. If the course is not completed, a sufficient grade for theory is kept for one year.
Project (65%)
Most of the course is “hands-on”, i.e. students will design, implement, evaluate and present their own interactive information visualization. In addition to the design of the interface, research on its usability is an essential part of the practical work. For the practical part attendance of workgroup presentations is obligatory according to the arrangements presented by the lecturer. In addtion to a prototype product, A short paper is presented on the assignment and the process to the final product. The grade for the practical work is evaluated after a final presentation. The grade is composed of a number of assessments that are indicative for the overall quality of the practical work. The practical work contributes 65% to the final grade.
Both parts of the final grade (written exam and project) should be >= 5.5.
Reading list
The recommended book that will be used throughout the course and provides a lot of background for the assignment is: Designing Interactive Systems (2nd edition) David Benyon, 2010, Pearson-Addison Wesley
The book can be ordered via the Leidsche Flesch.
Other Books:
Beyond Human Computer Interaction – Jenny Preece, et al., 2002, Wiley and Sons.
Designing the User Interface – Ben Shneiderman, 1998, AWL
The Human Interface – Jef Raskin, 2002, AWL
Human Computer Interaction – Jenny Preece et al, 1995, AWL
Registration
As a student, you are responsible for enrolling on time through MyStudyMap.
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There are two enrolment periods per year:
Enrolment for the fall opens in July
Enrolment for the spring opens in December
See this page for more information about deadlines and enrolling for courses and exams.
Note:
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Not being enrolled for an exam/resit means that you are not allowed to participate in the exam/resit.
Contact
Education coordinator LIACS bachelors
Remarks
Website: HCI
Software
Starting from the 2024/2025 academic year, the Faculty of Science will use the software distribution platform Academic Software. Through this platform, you can access the software needed for specific courses in your studies. For some software, your laptop must meet certain system requirements, which will be specified with the software. It is important to install the software before the start of the course. More information about the laptop requirements can be found on the student website.