Programme Outline

Core Modules (3/3)

CS6431 – Foundations of Interaction and Experience Design – Theory

CS6431 and CS6441 are foundational modules that provides a general introduction to the field of Interaction Design’s theory and practice. CS6431 module will provide a general introduction to the available theories in human-computer interaction (HCI) and Interaction and experience design (IXUX). Basic principles of human cognition and behaviour will be discussed, and their relevance to the design of usable systems. We will also cover aspects of human action in the world and outline an approach to user-centred design. Future directions in the fields of HCI and IXUX will be discussed. The CS6431/6441 modules complement each other, and will comprise a mix of lectures, exercises, demonstrations, videos, and discussion groups, as well as individual and group projects involving design, assessment, and re-design of an interactive artefact. The modules requires that the student reads extensively and reflects on things, and that the student is able to work independently, in terms of researching specific themes, explore ideas, prototype and test them. There will be ample time for discussion and critique.

CS6441 – Foundations of Interaction and Experience Design – Practice

CS6431 and CS6441 are foundational modules that provides a general introduction to the field of Interaction Design’s theory and practice. S6441 module will provide a general introduction to the available methods, techniques, and tools in human-computer interaction (HCI) and Interaction and experience design (IXUX). User and human-centred approaches to design will be discussed and practised together with participatory and collaborative ones. We will cover aspects of iterative design, creative technique for the exploration of the design space, prototyping techniques and tools, test and evaluation techniques and methods. The CS6431/6441 modules complement each other, and will comprise a mix of lectures, exercises, demonstrations, videos, and discussion groups, as well as individual and group projects involving design, assessment, and re-design of an interactive artefact. The modules requires that the student reads extensively and reflects on things, and that the student is able to work independently, in terms of researching specific themes, explore ideas, prototype and test them. There will be ample time for discussion and critique.

CS6041 Interactive Media Project/Workshop 1

This module is about the practical methods and tools for working with Interactive Media. Students learn about photography, graphics (Adobe Photoshop), sound production (Aduacity, Logic) , video production (Final Cut Pro, Adobe premiere), web design (Adobe Dreamweaver) and also initial preparation for a dissertation project prototype. For assessment, students put up content they have created on individual web sites.

Elective Modules, choose two out of five (2/5):

CS4083 Sound Synthesis

In this module students will create software based applications for sound synthesis; demonstrate a facility with text-based and graphical-based software systems for audio programming; and organise and execute a successful artistic work with audio.

CS4151 Digital Modelling and Animation

The purpose of this module is to teach students the skills they need to produce 3D digital animation, models and filmmaking content of a quality that will enable them to develop instructional content, promotional videos and advertisements for their own projects, or for. industry clients. The key emphasis of the module is on learning the applied, vocational skills and to leverage 3D tools to design scenarios focused on user experience, interaction, explainability and usability. As part of this approach, students will be encouraged to develop their learning in an applied, continuous, progressive fashion, by keeping a development diary and portfolios to promote themselves to prospective employers.

CS4071 - Virtual and Augmented Reality Design

This module will enable the students to develop bespoke Augmented and Virtual Reality scenarios, using pre-built software pipelines, working to specific industry standards. As part of this, students will learn about the use of virtual reality technologies, as a means to create client-focused training simulations, guided tours and interactive user-focused experiences, wherein leveraging of sound-effects and spatial immersion are key modalities.

CS4020 Information society

CS4020 This module offers a socio-economic, political and cultural exploration of the “internet society”. The module will provide a series of perspectives on the network society. In particular, the module provides an overview of the main approaches of technological determinism and social constructivism, and introduces to a third option with the contribution of Actor Network theory. In the module a series of case study of different socio-technical systems will be also discussed. This module will help students understand some of the current debates in the media about the effects of ICT on society. The module will help the student to develop critical thinking around key issues of the Information Society.

CS6351 Physical Computing

Students develop their knowledge of physical computing in the context of interactive art, performance and interaction design through a combination of laboratory based small group project work and lecture based learning and research.

Core Modules (3/3)

CS6572 Principles of Interaction and experience Design 1

In this course students investigate of key concepts and methods in the fields of interaction and experience design. The students will deepen their knowledge and understanding of key issues in the Interaction Design field, such as design thinking, interaction experience, and critical sensibility. The module will examine and explore a number of key themes related to interaction and experience design in a variety of settings. It will involve a series of student-led seminars. Each week, a different group of students will be responsible for the preparation of the material and activities. A number of themes, issues and domains for further study will be provided at the beginning of the semester, and students may, after consultation, add to this list. This is a selection of topics from the current list: • The evolution of Interaction Design • Embodied and embedded interaction • The future of work • Interaction Design serving the Sustainable Development Goals • Smart cities, smart homes, smart communities • Education for the future • Artificial Intelligence as material for design • Ethical technology uses • Decolonising design • Designing for mixed reality • Interacting with robots

CS6572 Principles of Interaction and experience Design 2 - Project

In this course, the students will plan their IXUX Research Project. They will learn about the requirements for planning a successful Final Project, with advice on choosing topics, analysing issues, developing argumentation, structuring research, use of different research and design methods, planning work, and report writing. In this module the students work in relation to their project development. Workshops will offer support in planning research (e.g. ethics, data collection and analysis), discussing project write-ups, and research methods. Near the end of the course, the students are required to give a short presentation on their project ideas and plans. A short project report is also required.

CS6042 Interactive Media Project/Workshop 2

This module is about the practical methods and tools for working with Interactive Media. Students learn about design and programming in environments such as Adobe Flash, Pure Data/GEM, Processing, Google Sketchup as well as being introduced to open source hardware such as Arduino. Finally, throughout the semester students are encouraged to drive their work towards their dissertation projects. For assessment, students put up content they have created on individual web sites.

Elective modules, choose two out of five:

CS4056 Mobile Application Design

This module focuses on the design of mobile applications. It focuses on the challenges associated with designing applications for mobile devices and teaches the student to overcome these challenges, taking into consideration each design dimension and relevant standards. The student will create visual assets for mobile applications using a variety of software products. The student will create mobile applications that manipulate a variety of digital media formats, make use of databases, read and respond to sensors and communicate with web via API.

CS4126 - 3D Modelling and Digital Fabrication

The main objective of this module is to promote a good understanding of the 3D modelling and digital fabrication process, as well as to develop a range of skills on digital fabrication to be applied in different interaction design areas. The module aims to inform and facilitate the development of specific skills, which will be utilised in the design process. The knowledge and skills acquired will potentially be applied to Final Year Projects and portfolio development and will improve graduates' employability prospects in multiple sectors.

CS4049 Visual Coding

This module introduces students to the principles behind algorithmic visuals and the practice of creating visuals through programmed and procedural approaches. Visual Coding is taught using Processing. This development environment has a great website with useful learning materials and project examples. Anything learned in Processing is also quite applicable to Javascript and other coding languages, hence to web development, etc. The module is project-oriented. In the lectures examples of video installations, public art, telematics, etc., will be discussed including projection mapping, collaborative and interactive works, and so on.

CS4078 Applied Interaction Design

This module focuses on participatory, collaborative, and adversarial approaches to design. It focuses on tool, techniques and methods to engage potential end-users and stakeholders in the design of new technology. This module will provide the student with knowledge of and practical experience in participatory/collaborative design supporting participatory innovation in the design of human-centered systems. Participatory Design methods such as design probes and design games will be discussed. The module is project based and student will have to run participatory design sessions and develop individual design concepts or scenarios.

Dissertation Project:

During the summer months, a substantial project is undertaken, which may be artistic (such as a media production or installation) or technical (such as the development of media software). Students opting for a technical project may qualify for an MSc in Interactive Media. An MA in Interactive Media will be awarded to successful graduates who undertake a design/artistic project. Students are required to design, build and test a demonstration of their ideas, as well as writing a report of approx. 12,000 words. Previous dissertation topics have included: interactive installations, tangible interfaces, augmented reality, performance technologies, collaborative systems, mobile applications, Social networking services, and so on. See previous students’ projects here: www.dawn.ul.ie