HCI Minor in Human-Computer Interaction

The Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) minor is a new joint program between the Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts and the McKelvey School of Engineering.

The Human-Computer Interaction minor is designed to give any undergraduate student at Washington University in St. Louis a multidisciplinary understanding of the principles and applications of human-computer interaction. The HCI minor is intended for students who are interested in the design of user-centered interactive technologies and those desiring jobs that include user interface creation, Product Design, UX/UI Design, App Development, Virtual and Augmented Realities, etc.

This minor may appeal to students in the College of Art—particularly designers and/or computationally intrigued artists—who are interested in gaining a more in-depth knowledge of the ‘back-end’ development skills. It will also be of interest to Engineering students looking for more experience with aesthetics and ‘front-end’ design skills. In addition to these primary audiences, this minor allows students from other departments on campus to support their studies with a clear track in a hybrid pursuit in design and programming.

Required Coursework

2

Pillar Courses

1

Integration Course

3

Elective Courses

6

Total Courses

Students must complete two Pillar courses, one Integration course, and three approved electives. Courses listed below are considered approved elective offerings between the Sam Fox School and the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. An up-to-date record of available electives will be on display on the minor microsite. Students may contact the advisor for pre-approval to take courses not included in the pre-selected menu of courses. No more than one course outside the menu may count towards the minor. Students can also only double count one course for the minor and their major. Faculty may propose elective courses for inclusion by contacting minor advisors.

Pillar Courses

2

required

The Pillar courses are intended to be the structural base of the HCI minor. Each course focuses on deep knowledge in the two main components of the minor; Front-End Aesthetics and Back-End Development. From these two courses the rest of the minor is built upon.

CSE 131

Introduction to Computer Science

An introduction to software concepts and implementation, emphasizing problem solving through abstraction and decomposition. Introduces processes and algorithms, procedural abstraction, data abstraction, encapsulation, and object-oriented programming. Recursion, iteration, and simple data structures are covered. Concepts and skills are mastered through programming projects, many of which employ graphics to enhance conceptual understanding. Java, an object-oriented programming language, is the vehicle of exploration. Active-learning sessions are conducted in a studio setting in which students interact with each other and the professor to solve problems collaboratively. Prerequisites: Comfort with algebra and geometry at the high school level is assumed. Patience, good planning, and organization will promote success. This course assumes no prior experience with programming.
*Course meets twice a week for 1.5 hours, 3 hours total/week

course listing

Requirements: none

ART 138S

Visual Principles for the Screen

The demand for graphic literacy in contemporary culture is only increasing, redefining our need to understand how design functions and why. How can products and communication be crafted with the user in mind? How can design facilitate seamless, intuitive digital experiences? This studio course will address graphic design considerations for web, mobile, and other screen-based applications, addressing hierarchy, typography, iconography, layout, color, and image. This course is ideal for students seeking to learn fundamental graphic design and messaging principles, and produce robust, researched prototypes. Studio work will be supplemented by supporting lectures and readings.
*Class meets twice a week for 1.5 hours, with optional 1.5-hour lab available following each meeting.

Requirements: none

Integration Courses

1

choose

These courses are meant to bring Computer Science together with Art/Design in hybrid practice. Students will investigate real-world problem solving that explore the integration of development and interface aesthetics.

Prerequisite for all Integration courses is CSE 131 and Visual Principles for the Screen (Or by approval of professor)

CSE 256A

Introduction to Human-Centered Design

This course provides an introduction to human-centered design through a series of small user interface development projects covering usability topics such as: efficiency vs. learnability, walk up and use systems, the habit loop, and information foraging. Projects will begin with reviewing a relevant model of human behavior. Each project will then provide an opportunity to explore how to apply that model in the design of a new user interface.
*Course meets twice a week for 1.5 hours, 3 hours total/week

Requirements: none

ART 236A

Interaction Design: Understanding Health and Well-Being

Through a blend of presentations from practitioners, classroom lectures, readings, discussion and hands-on exercises, this class will engage principles and methods of interaction design within the context of health challenges. Broadly defined, interaction design is the practice of designing products, environments, systems, and services with a focus on behavior and user experience. We will take on an in-depth challenge in the area of health and well-being and work in cross-disciplinary design teams with an external partner organization. Students will gain experience in planning and executing a human centered design process featuring research, ideation, synthesis, concept development, prototypes and a final presentation, which may include visual design, animation, and sound. Students will work in teams to develop several intermediate project deliverables, such as prototypes and sketches. No prior coursework is necessary though experience with Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign are helpful.
*Class meets once a week for 3 hours

Requirements: none

Elective Courses

3

choose

Approved Elective courses are supportive of the primary learning goals of the Pillar and Integration courses. Each shall investigate specific considerations in front and back-end design practices while giving students space to explore alternative applications and scenarios. Students are encouraged to take at least one elective in both schools— one in design and one in engineering. Students may petition for one course not included in the approved list to be counted as elective credit. This approval is at the discretion of minor advisors.

View HCI Minor Electives

Sample Tracks

College of Art Student

Pillar Courses

    CSE 131

    Introduction to Computer Science

    ART 138S

    Visual Principles for the Screen

Integration Courses

    CSE 256A

    Introduction to Human-Centered Design

Elective Courses

College of Engineering Student

Pillar Courses

    CSE 131

    Introduction to Computer Science

    ART 138S

    Visual Principles for the Screen

Integration Courses

    ART 236A

    Interaction Design: Understanding Health and Well-Being

Elective Courses

Student from another college

Pillar Courses

    CSE 131

    Introduction to Computer Science

    ART 138S

    Visual Principles for the Screen

Integration Courses

    ART 236A

    Interaction Design: Understanding Health and Well-Being

Elective Courses

Any Questions?

Questions about the minor, the requirements or HCI in general? Reach out to any of the department contacts to learn more.

Contact | College of Art

Contact | College of Engineering