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Robert Gray
Course 3 explores the perceptual capacities and limitations of humans and computers. It discusses various types of visual, auditory, and tactile displays and how they can be used to create effective interfaces.
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What's inside
Syllabus
Course Introduction
In Course 3, we will focus on perceptual capacities and limitations. You will explore the basic functions of vision, including static and dynamic visual acuity, depth perception, peripheral vision, and stereoacuity. Additionally, you will compare and contrast different types of visual displays to understand their impact on user experience. The course will also cover the fundamental functions of the human auditory and somatosensory systems, providing insights into how we perceive sound and touch. You will examine various types of auditory and tactile displays and their implications for designing effective interfaces.
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Syllabus
Course Introduction
In Course 3, we will focus on perceptual capacities and limitations. You will explore the basic functions of vision, including static and dynamic visual acuity, depth perception, peripheral vision, and stereoacuity. Additionally, you will compare and contrast different types of visual displays to understand their impact on user experience. The course will also cover the fundamental functions of the human auditory and somatosensory systems, providing insights into how we perceive sound and touch. You will examine various types of auditory and tactile displays and their implications for designing effective interfaces.
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Explores the basics of perception, which is standard in UX design
Taught by Robert Gray, who are recognized for their work in UX
Examines visual and auditory perception in detail, which is highly relevant to user interface design
Develops a solid understanding of human-computer interaction and perception, which is essential for UX designers
Requires students to have a background in computer science or design, which may be a barrier for some
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Reviews summary
Perception for effective interface design
According to students, this course provides a strong theoretical foundation in human perception, making it highly relevant for professionals in UX/UI, HCI, and product design. Learners consistently praise its well-structured modules and clear explanations, which help connect complex concepts to practical applications for interface design. While the overall reception is largely positive, a minority of reviewers found some sections to be more academic than expected and desired more direct hands-on projects or case studies, indicating a potential mismatch for those seeking only practical 'how-to' design skills.
Core principles remain relevant, minor updates to references suggested.
"My only minor critique is that some of the older references could be updated, but the core principles remain valid."
Mixed feedback on the balance between theory and hands-on application.
"The course has good information, but I found some parts a bit dry, especially the anatomy sections. It's more theoretical than I expected, with less practical exercises on actual interface design."
"Disappointed. I expected more practical application for building interfaces. It felt very academic, like a basic psychology course."
"I appreciated the balance of science and design principles. I wish there were more case studies or hands-on projects."
"The balance between theory and practical implications was perfect."
Instructor provides clear explanations, aiding understanding of complex topics.
"The instructor's explanations were clear, making complex topics easy to grasp."
"Very informative. The explanations of visual and auditory systems were comprehensive."
Highly applicable for careers in UX/UI, HCI, and product design.
"I loved how it connected theoretical concepts with practical applications for UX/UI."
"Excellent course for product designers! I've been looking for something that dives deep into how human perception impacts interface design, and this delivered."
"The examples were great, and I felt I could immediately apply the principles."
"This course significantly improved my understanding of human perceptual limitations, which is crucial for designing accessible and intuitive interfaces."
Delivers a comprehensive understanding of human perceptual systems.
"This course was incredibly insightful! The modules on visual perception and display design were particularly well-structured."
"A solid foundation in understanding human sensory limits."
"Truly eye-opening! As a UX researcher, this course provided a fantastic framework for understanding user behavior from a perceptual standpoint."
"The explanations of visual and auditory systems were comprehensive. I liked that it covered both human and computer aspects."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in The Limits of Human Perception with these
activities:
Identify a mentor who specializes in perceptual research or human factors
Show steps
Seek guidance and advice from an expert in the field to enhance your understanding and career growth.
Show steps
-
Attend industry events or conferences to connect with professionals.
-
Reach out to researchers or practitioners in the field via email or LinkedIn.
Review previous coursework or textbooks on cognitive psychology and human factors
Show steps
Refresh your knowledge on cognitive processes and human factors before starting the course, ensuring a solid foundation.
Browse courses on
Cognitive Psychology
Show steps
-
Review your notes or textbooks from previous courses.
-
Complete practice quizzes or exercises to test your understanding.
Complete online quizzes and exercises on visual perception and auditory perception
Show steps
Reinforce your understanding of perceptual concepts through active recall and repetitive practice.
Browse courses on
Visual Perception
Show steps
-
Find reputable online quizzes and exercises on platforms like Coursera, edX, or Quizlet.
-
Complete the quizzes and exercises regularly.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Follow tutorials on visual perception and visual display design
Show steps
Enhance your understanding of visual perception and display design through hands-on tutorials.
Browse courses on
Visual Perception
Show steps
-
Find reputable tutorials on reputable platforms like Coursera, edX, or YouTube.
-
Follow the tutorials and complete the exercises.
-
Take notes on the key concepts and techniques.
Participate in a study group to discuss and solve problems related to perceptual capacities and limitations
Show steps
Engage with peers to exchange knowledge and perspectives, enhancing your understanding of perceptual principles.
Browse courses on
Cognitive Psychology
Show steps
-
Find a study group or create one with classmates.
-
Meet regularly to discuss course materials and solve problems.
-
Share your insights and learn from others.
Review 'Auditory Display: Sonification, Audification, and Auditory Interfaces' by Gregory Kramer
Show steps
Deepen your understanding of auditory perception and auditory display design by exploring a comprehensive text on the subject.
Show steps
-
Read the introduction and first two chapters of the book.
-
Take notes on the key concepts and techniques.
-
Create a summary of the different types of auditory displays.
Create a user interface prototype for a mobile application
Show steps
Apply your knowledge of visual perception and display design to create a functional and user-friendly prototype.
Browse courses on
User Interface Design
Show steps
-
Identify the target users and their needs.
-
Sketch out the layout and flow of the application.
-
Create a high-fidelity prototype using tools like Figma or Adobe XD.
Design and develop a tactile interface for a specific application
Show steps
Challenge yourself by designing and developing a tactile interface for a real-world application, deepening your understanding of haptic feedback.
Browse courses on
Human-Computer Interaction
Show steps
-
Identify an application that would benefit from a tactile interface.
-
Research different tactile technologies and their applications.
-
Design and develop a prototype of the tactile interface.
Identify a mentor who specializes in perceptual research or human factors
Show steps
Seek guidance and advice from an expert in the field to enhance your understanding and career growth.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Attend industry events or conferences to connect with professionals.
- Reach out to researchers or practitioners in the field via email or LinkedIn.
Review previous coursework or textbooks on cognitive psychology and human factors
Show steps
Refresh your knowledge on cognitive processes and human factors before starting the course, ensuring a solid foundation.
Browse courses on
Cognitive Psychology
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review your notes or textbooks from previous courses.
- Complete practice quizzes or exercises to test your understanding.
Complete online quizzes and exercises on visual perception and auditory perception
Show steps
Reinforce your understanding of perceptual concepts through active recall and repetitive practice.
Browse courses on
Visual Perception
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find reputable online quizzes and exercises on platforms like Coursera, edX, or Quizlet.
- Complete the quizzes and exercises regularly.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Follow tutorials on visual perception and visual display design
Show steps
Enhance your understanding of visual perception and display design through hands-on tutorials.
Browse courses on
Visual Perception
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find reputable tutorials on reputable platforms like Coursera, edX, or YouTube.
- Follow the tutorials and complete the exercises.
- Take notes on the key concepts and techniques.
Participate in a study group to discuss and solve problems related to perceptual capacities and limitations
Show steps
Engage with peers to exchange knowledge and perspectives, enhancing your understanding of perceptual principles.
Browse courses on
Cognitive Psychology
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a study group or create one with classmates.
- Meet regularly to discuss course materials and solve problems.
- Share your insights and learn from others.
Review 'Auditory Display: Sonification, Audification, and Auditory Interfaces' by Gregory Kramer
Show steps
Deepen your understanding of auditory perception and auditory display design by exploring a comprehensive text on the subject.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the introduction and first two chapters of the book.
- Take notes on the key concepts and techniques.
- Create a summary of the different types of auditory displays.
Create a user interface prototype for a mobile application
Show steps
Apply your knowledge of visual perception and display design to create a functional and user-friendly prototype.
Browse courses on
User Interface Design
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify the target users and their needs.
- Sketch out the layout and flow of the application.
- Create a high-fidelity prototype using tools like Figma or Adobe XD.
Design and develop a tactile interface for a specific application
Show steps
Challenge yourself by designing and developing a tactile interface for a real-world application, deepening your understanding of haptic feedback.
Browse courses on
Human-Computer Interaction
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify an application that would benefit from a tactile interface.
- Research different tactile technologies and their applications.
- Design and develop a prototype of the tactile interface.
Career center
Learners who complete The Limits of Human Perception will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/3xvbo2/the
Reading list
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