Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - CMPT 863 G100

Advanced Topics in Human-Computer Interaction (3)

Class Number: 5503

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Tue, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Thu, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Advanced topics in human-computer interaction (HCI) will be introduced for better understanding end users, solving a variety of problems in the design of technology, and inventing novel forms of interaction. Focus will be on current trends in HCI research, design of interactive systems, and user-centered evaluation techniques. Students with credit for CMPT 888 or CMPT 985 under the title "Special Topics in Human-Computer Interaction" may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course builds on the fundamental concepts of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and user interface design, including usability and iterative user-centered design. The teaching format will be studio-based, where students acquire hands-on experience by engaging in term-long projects on designing, implementing, and evaluating interactive computer systems. Students will apply HCI concepts to real-world scenarios while exploring advanced and specialized topics such as emerging interaction paradigms, human-AI interaction, ubiquitous computing, the social impact of HCI, and inclusive design.

Some Topics Include:

  • Real-world UI design challenges
  • Advanced interface prototyping methods
  • Usability evaluation in diverse contexts
  • Human-AI interaction
  • Interaction with emerging modalities (e.g., AR/VR, physical computing)

Grading

NOTES:

Grading to be announced during the first week of classes.

Materials

RECOMMENDED READING:

The Design of Everyday Things
Don Norman
New York : Basic Books
2013
ISBN: 9780465050659

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

Interaction Design: Beyond human computer interaction
Sharp, H., Rogers, Y., and Preece, J. 
Wiley
6th Edition
2023

Ebook ISBN: 9781119901112
ISBN: 9781119901099

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 Graduate 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).

Graduate Studies Notes:

Important dates and deadlines for graduate students are found here: http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/current/important_dates/guidelines.html. The deadline to drop a course with a 100% refund is the end of week 2. The deadline to drop with no notation on your transcript is the end of week 3.

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.