Summer 2025 - CMPT 263 D100

Introduction to Human-Centered Computing (3)

Class Number: 3791

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 12 – Aug 8, 2025: Wed, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
    Surrey

    May 12 – Aug 8, 2025: Fri, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
    Surrey

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Aug 12, 2025
    Tue, 3:30–6:30 p.m.
    Surrey

  • Prerequisites:

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

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

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 prepare 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 are now requiring.

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 impacts and ethical concerns of design
  • consider factors beyond system functionalities that impact design decisions (e.g., compliance, standards)
  • recognize 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

ISBN: 9781119547259

The UX Book
Hartson, Rex ; Pyla, Pardha S
Elsevier Science & Technology
2012

A digital version is available online via the SFU Library
ISBN: 9780123852410

RECOMMENDED READING:

Emotional design : why we love (or hate) everyday things
Don Norman
New York : Basic Books
2007
A digital version is available online via the SFU Library
ISBN: 9786613628398

The Design of Everyday Things
Don Norman
New York : Basic Books
2013

A digital version is available online via the SFU Library (limited to 4 simultaneous users)
ISBN: 9780465072996

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.

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: 


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.