Spring 2026 - CMPT 263 D100

Introduction to Human-Centered Computing (3)

Class Number: 5435

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

Course Times + Location:

Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Tue, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby

Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Fri, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby

Instructor:
Lawrence Kim
lawkim@sfu.ca

Prerequisites:
CMPT 125 or CMPT 135, with a minimum grade of C-.

Surveys contemporary Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) topics on designing, implementing, and evaluating interactive computer systems from a human-centered perspective. Students will learn important concepts including understanding users, incorporating accountability and responsibility in design, creating accessible and inclusive systems, and evaluating system interfaces with well-established methodologies.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course introduces students to the fundamental concepts of HCI and prepares them for the more advanced and specialized topics in other HCI courses. In particular, students will learn topics in a more technical aspect tailored to the needs of computer scientists, and have a more user-centered and ethical perspective in computing science, which many positions in industry now require.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

identify and describe representative users of any given interactive computer system
understand the physical and cognitive characteristics of human users and how these inform design
engage in intelligent discussion on the impacts and ethical concerns of design
consider factors beyond system functionalities that impact design decisions (e.g., compliance, standards)
recognize the diversity of users and best practices in design for accessibility and inclusivity
design and evaluate interactive computer systems using different techniques (e.g., prototyping, studies)
articulate and perform all steps in the interaction design process (i.e., discover user needs, design solutions, create and evaluate prototypes)

Grading

NOTES:

Grading to be announced during the first week of classes.

REQUIREMENTS:

Important: Students must attain an overall passing grade on the weighted average of exams in the course in order to obtain a clear pass (C- or better).

The above rule will be explained and illustrated on our course website.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Materials and/or links to materials will be provided via the course webpage (e.g., Canvas).

REQUIRED READING:

Interaction Design: Beyond human computer interaction,
Sharp, H., Rogers, Y., and Preece, J.
Wiley
2019

A digital version is available online via the SFU Library for both 5th and 6th editions (2023 -6th Edition -9781119901112)

ISBN: 9781119547259

The UX Book
Hartson, Rex ; Pyla, Pardha S
Elsevier Science & Technology

A digital version is available online via the SFU Library Editions
(2nd Edition - 9780128053423)

3rd Edition (2025) also now available: 9780443134432

ISBN: 9780128053423

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Department Undergraduate Notes:

The following are default policies in the School of Computing Science. Please check your course syllabus whether the instructor has chosen a different policy for your class, otherwise the following policies apply.

Students must attain an overall passing grade on the weighted average of exams in the course in order to get a C- or higher.
All student requests for accommodations for their religious practices must be made in writing by the end of the first week of classes, or no later than one week after a student adds a course. After considering a request, an instructor may provide a concession or may decline to do so. Students requiring accommodations as a result of a disability can contact the Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca).

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit:

SFU’s Academic Integrity Policy: S10-01 Policy
SFU’s Academic Integrity website, which includes helpful videos and tips in plain language: Academic Integrity at SFU

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.

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Course Outlines