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Input and Interaction

Scott Klemmer

In this course, you will learn relevant fundamentals of human motor performance, perception, and cognition that inform effective interaction design. You will use these models of how people work to design more effective input and interaction techniques. You’ll apply these to both traditional graphic and gestural interfaces.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Input

There’s more to interfaces than what’s on the screen. While often overlooked, input deserves to be on equal footing with its more popular sibling, output. Also, input is a rare case where we can model user behavior mathematically. In this module, you’ll learn how good input is more than just preference, trace input from the fingertip to the screen, and think about the diversity of possible input devices and their relative merits.

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Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Covers foundational concepts in human motor performance, perception, and cognition that inform effective interaction design

Taught by renowned instructors, Scott Klemmer, in the field of human-computer interaction

Provides a practical approach by utilizing models of how people work to design more effective input and interaction techniques

Covers both traditional graphic and gestural interfaces, providing a comprehensive understanding of input and interaction design

Focuses on improving user experience by designing more effective input and interaction techniques

Provides a solid foundation for individuals interested in pursuing careers in interaction design

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Reviews summary

Input theory and interaction design fundamentals

According to learners, this course provides a strong theoretical foundation, particularly in cognitive and perceptual models relevant to interaction design. Students appreciate how the course helps them apply these concepts to practical interface design challenges. The structure, covering topics like input analysis, search design, and gestural interfaces, is generally well-received. However, some find the mathematical modeling aspect challenging, and a few wished for more practical coding or implementation examples alongside the theory. Overall, it's seen as a valuable course for understanding the 'why' behind design.

Topics like Input, Search, Gestures are well-organized.

"The course is well-structured, progressing logically through topics."

"The modules on gestural interfaces and input were particularly interesting."

"I found the organization of the course material very helpful."

Learn to use models for effective design.

"I learned how to use the models to actually design better interfaces."

"The assignments helped me apply theoretical concepts to real-world problems."

"The course does a good job bridging theory and practical design considerations."

Excellent coverage of cognitive/perceptual models.

"The course explains cognitive models clearly and how they apply."

"I gained a solid understanding of the theory underpinning interaction design."

"This course provides an excellent theoretical basis for understanding user behavior in interfaces."

Some wished for more coding/practical examples.

"I would have liked to see more practical coding examples."

"The course is very theoretical; more hands-on implementation would be great."

"Focused heavily on theory, wished for more guidance on *how* to build."

Some learners found the mathematical modeling difficult.

"The sections on mathematical modeling were quite challenging for me."

"I struggled a bit with the quantitative aspects discussed."

"Could use more clarity or practice on the mathematical modeling parts."

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 Input and Interaction with these activities:

Watch online tutorials on human-computer interaction.

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Complement your coursework with additional resources to deepen your understanding of HCI principles.

Browse courses on Human-Computer Interaction

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Search for online tutorials on human-computer interaction on platforms such as YouTube or Coursera.
Choose tutorials that cover topics that you are interested in or that you need to strengthen your understanding of.
Follow the steps in the tutorials to learn about different HCI concepts and techniques.

Read "The Design of Everyday Things"

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Become familiar with the principles of design that shape the way people interact with objects and systems.

View Things That Make Us Smart: Defending Human... on Amazon

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Read through chapters 1-5.
Identify and analyze examples of good and bad design in everyday objects.
Discuss the implications of these principles for your own design work.

Draw sketches of user interfaces for different tasks.

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Gain practice in translating ideas and concepts into visual representations.

Browse courses on Sketching

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Choose a task that you want to design a user interface for.
Brainstorm different ideas for how to design the interface.
Sketch out your ideas using pen and paper or a digital tool.

Four other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all seven activities

Attend a workshop on user experience design.

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Gain hands-on experience and learn from industry professionals.

Browse courses on User Experience Design

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Search for workshops on user experience design in your area or online.
Choose a workshop that aligns with your interests and learning goals.
Attend the workshop and actively participate in the activities and discussions.

Write a blog post or article about a topic related to human-computer interaction.

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Enhance your understanding and communication skills by explaining HCI concepts to others.

Browse courses on Human-Computer Interaction

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Choose a specific topic related to human-computer interaction that you want to write about.
Research the topic to gather information and insights.
Organize your thoughts and structure your article or blog post.
Write a draft of your article or blog post.
Revise and edit your work.

Design a user interface for a mobile application.

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Apply your knowledge of human-computer interaction to create a user interface that is both usable and visually appealing.

Browse courses on Mobile Application Design

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Choose a specific task or set of tasks that the user interface will support.
Research existing mobile applications that perform similar tasks.
Develop a storyboard or flow chart to illustrate the user flow through the interface.
Create a high-fidelity prototype of the user interface using a design tool such as Sketch or Figma.
Test the prototype with users to gather feedback and iterate on the design.

Participate in a hackathon or design competition.

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Test your skills and collaborate with others to create innovative solutions.

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Find a hackathon or design competition that aligns with your interests and skills.
Form a team or work individually.
Brainstorm ideas and develop a prototype.
Submit your project and present it to a panel of judges.

Career center

Learners who complete Input and Interaction will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

User Experience Designer

User Experience (UX) Designers build a foundation in human motor performance, perception, and cognition to create seamless, intuitive, and engaging user interfaces. This course strengthens their skillset, particularly in understanding how people interact with input devices and explore different interaction methods. By learning about search and navigation techniques and the design principles of gestural interfaces, UX Designers can create user experiences that are both effective and enjoyable.

See salaries and explore the career path for User Experience Designer

Interaction Designer

Interaction Designers specialize in designing and developing interactive experiences. This course enhances their expertise by providing a comprehensive understanding of human-computer interaction, particularly in the context of input and interaction techniques. Through modules on search and navigation, gestural interfaces, and input devices, Interaction Designers gain valuable insights to create engaging and intuitive user interfaces.

See salaries and explore the career path for Interaction Designer

Human Factors Engineer

Human Factors Engineers focus on designing products, systems, and environments that are compatible with human needs and capabilities. This course directly aligns with their field by providing a deep dive into human motor performance, perception, and cognition. By understanding how people interact with technology, Human Factors Engineers can make informed decisions about interface design and improve the overall user experience.

See salaries and explore the career path for Human Factors Engineer

Cognitive Scientist

Cognitive Scientists study the mind and its processes. This course complements their training by providing a solid understanding of how humans perceive, process, and respond to information. By exploring topics such as search and navigation, gestural interfaces, and input devices, Cognitive Scientists gain insights into human-computer interaction, enabling them to develop innovative solutions that enhance cognitive performance.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cognitive Scientist

Software Engineer

Software Engineers specializing in user interface development can benefit from this course. It provides them with a theoretical foundation in human-computer interaction, specifically in the areas of input and interaction techniques. By understanding the principles of search and navigation, gestural interfaces, and input devices, Software Engineers can create more user-centric and effective software applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Web Designer

Web Designers responsible for creating user interfaces can enhance their skills with this course. It provides a comprehensive understanding of input and interaction techniques, helping them design websites that are both visually appealing and easy to navigate. By learning about search and navigation, gestural interfaces, and input devices, Web Designers can create user experiences that are tailored to the specific needs of their target audience.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Designer

Product Designer

Product Designers benefit from this course as it provides a strong foundation in human-centered design principles. By understanding how people interact with products, Product Designers can create products that are not only functional but also intuitive and enjoyable to use. The course's focus on input and interaction techniques, search and navigation, and gestural interfaces equips Product Designers with the knowledge to develop innovative and user-friendly products.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Designer

Graphic designer

Graphic Designers can expand their knowledge of human-computer interaction through this course. It provides insights into how people perceive and interact with visual information, which is crucial for designing effective visual interfaces. By understanding the principles of input and interaction techniques, search and navigation, and gestural interfaces, Graphic Designers can create visually appealing and engaging designs that meet the needs of their users.

See salaries and explore the career path for Graphic designer

Information Architect

Information Architects can gain valuable knowledge from this course to enhance their understanding of user behavior and interaction patterns. It provides a solid foundation in human-computer interaction, with a focus on input and interaction techniques. By learning about search and navigation, gestural interfaces, and input devices, Information Architects can design information systems that are intuitive, efficient, and accessible to users.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Architect

UX Researcher

UX Researchers play a critical role in understanding user needs and behaviors. This course provides them with a strong foundation in human-computer interaction, particularly in the context of input and interaction techniques. By learning about search and navigation, gestural interfaces, and input devices, UX Researchers can develop more effective research methods and gather deeper insights into user experiences.

See salaries and explore the career path for UX Researcher

Data Scientist

Data Scientists who focus on human-computer interaction can benefit from this course. It provides a comprehensive understanding of how people interact with data and technology, enabling them to develop more effective data visualization and analysis tools. By learning about search and navigation, gestural interfaces, and input devices, Data Scientists can create data-driven solutions that are both informative and user-friendly.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Machine Learning Engineer

Machine Learning Engineers specializing in human-machine interaction can benefit from this course. It provides a foundational understanding of human motor performance, perception, and cognition, which is essential for designing effective machine learning systems. By learning about search and navigation, gestural interfaces, and input devices, Machine Learning Engineers can develop models that are more intuitive and easier for humans to interact with.

See salaries and explore the career path for Machine Learning Engineer

Computer Vision Engineer

Computer Vision Engineers working on human-centered applications can gain valuable insights from this course. It provides a comprehensive overview of how people perceive and interact with visual information. By understanding the principles of input and interaction techniques, search and navigation, and gestural interfaces, Computer Vision Engineers can design and develop systems that are more intuitive and user-friendly.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Vision Engineer

Robotics Engineer

Robotics Engineers who focus on human-robot interaction can benefit from this course. It provides a deep dive into human motor performance, perception, and cognition, which is crucial for designing robots that are safe, efficient, and easy to use. By learning about search and navigation, gestural interfaces, and input devices, Robotics Engineers can develop robots that are more responsive and intuitive.

See salaries and explore the career path for Robotics Engineer

Artificial Intelligence Engineer

Artificial Intelligence Engineers working on human-centered AI applications can gain valuable knowledge from this course. It provides a solid foundation in human-computer interaction, with a focus on input and interaction techniques. By understanding how people perceive, process, and respond to information, Artificial Intelligence Engineers can develop AI systems that are more user-friendly and effective.

See salaries and explore the career path for Artificial Intelligence Engineer

Reading list

We've selected ten books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Input and Interaction.

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Information Architecture

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This specialized book on search design provides a comprehensive overview of the principles and techniques for designing effective search experiences. It would be particularly valuable for the Search & Navigation module of the course.

Information Architecture: For the Web and Beyond

Information Architecture: For the Web and Beyond

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Microinteractions: Full Color Edition

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This practical guide to interaction design provides a comprehensive overview of the design process, from concept development to prototyping and evaluation.

Microinteractions: Full Color Edition: Designing...

Microinteractions: Full Color Edition: Designing...

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Toward Engineering Design Principles for HCI

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Presents a comprehensive overview of HCI models, theories, and frameworks, providing a solid theoretical foundation for the course.

Toward Engineering Design Principles for HCI...

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Winter's Biomechanics and Motor Control of Human...

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Provides a comprehensive overview of the fundamentals of human motor control, including the neural, biomechanical, and cognitive processes involved in movement. It would serve as a valuable background resource for understanding the human performance models discussed in the course.

Winter's Biomechanics and Motor Control of Human...

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Gesture-Based Communication in Human-Computer...

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Explores the use of gesture and sign language in human-computer interaction, covering both theoretical and practical aspects. It would provide valuable insights into the design of gestural interfaces discussed in the course.

Gesture-Based Communication in Human-Computer...

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Interaction Design

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Explores the broader context of interaction design, including the social, cultural, and ethical implications of technology use.

Interaction Design: Beyond Human-Computer...

Interaction Design: Beyond Human-Computer...

(Italiano) Interaction Design: Oltre l'interazione uomo...

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Universal Access in Human-Computer Interaction....

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Explores the principles and practices of universal access in HCI, providing insights into designing inclusive interfaces for users with diverse needs.

Universal Access in Human-Computer Interaction....

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Auditory Perception

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Offers an in-depth exploration of the cognitive and neural processes underlying perception, covering topics such as visual perception, auditory perception, and multisensory integration. It would provide a solid foundation for understanding the perceptual aspects of interaction design discussed in the course.

Auditory Perception: A New Synthesis (Pergamon...

Auditory Perception: A New Synthesis

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Cognitive Psychology

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This introductory textbook provides a comprehensive overview of cognitive psychology, including topics such as attention, memory, language, and problem-solving. It would serve as a helpful resource for understanding the cognitive models that inform interaction design.

Cognitive Psychology: A Student's Handbook

Cognitive Psychology: A Student's Handbook

Cognitive Psychology: A Student's Handbook

Cognitive Psychology: A Student's Handbook

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Natural Language Processing with Python

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This practical introduction to natural language processing with Python provides a foundation for understanding the computational aspects of language and its applications in human-computer interaction.

Natural Language Processing with Python: Analyzing...

(中文) Python Natural Language Processing(Chinese Edition)

Natural Language Processing with Python: Analyzing...

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Effort

3 weeks, 2-3 hours/week

Via

Coursera

Institution

University of California San Diego

Instructor

Scott Klemmer

Language

English

Transcripts

Español Français Português Deutsch Italiano 中文 العربية 한국어 日本語 हिंदी Nederlands Svenska Pусский Türkçe Polski Ελληνικά українська мова magyar nyelv Bahasa Indonesia ไทย қазақша اُردُو, فارسی বাংলা tiếng Việt پښتو آذربایجان دیلی

This course belongs to a collection called Interaction Design. It's comprised of eight courses:

User Experience: Research & Prototyping
Information Design
Interaction Design Capstone Project
Human-Centered Design: an Introduction
Design Principles: an Introduction
Designing, Running, and Analyzing Experiments
Input and Interaction (viewing)
Social Computing

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Covers foundational concepts in human motor performance, perception, and cognition that inform effective interaction design

Taught by renowned instructors, Scott Klemmer, in the field of human-computer interaction

Provides a practical approach by utilizing models of how people work to design more effective input and interaction techniques

Covers both traditional graphic and gestural interfaces, providing a comprehensive understanding of input and interaction design

Focuses on improving user experience by designing more effective input and interaction techniques

Provides a solid foundation for individuals interested in pursuing careers in interaction design

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