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Topics in Human-Computer Interaction: Interaction Techniques (Seminar)
Course Information (Winter Semester 2026/27)
This website provides an overview of the seminar. For official course details, enrollment information, and materials, please refer to the university course catalogue.
Instructor: Dr. James Simpson
Introduction Session: Wednesday October 14th at 4 PM; SR XII C3 (03C52)
Weekly Seminar: Every Wednesday between 4 PM and 5:30 PM; SR XII C3 (03C52). Weekly attendance required (aside from 2 weeks which may be taken off due to illness/personal reasons)
Assessment:
- Seminar Presentation (20-30 min) on Wednesday February 3 or Thursday February 4
- User Research Study Paper (~6-8 pages)
Target Audience
Master’s and Bachelor's students in Computer Science or Data Science, and related disciplines with an interest in Human–Computer Interaction and interactive systems (maximum 15 participants)
Prerequisites
An interest in how people use and interact with technology is recommended. Some experience with designing or building user interfaces, apps, websites, or other interactive systems is helpful but not required.
Course Overview
Interaction techniques define how users observe, manipulate, and interact with computing systems. They encompass a wide range of approaches, from direct manipulation on desktop and mobile devices to voice interaction, gestural input, and augmented and virtual reality. This seminar investigates how interaction techniques are designed, developed, and evolve in response to new technologies and interaction challenges. Particular attention will be given to the design of novel interaction techniques for emerging forms of human–computer interaction, including interaction with large language models and AI systems. Students will critically analyze how existing interaction techniques were developed and will design, prototype, critique, and report on a novel interaction technique of their own.