FUNDED BY THE NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION 2008-2012 UNDER GRANTS IIS-0811063 and IIS-0939684


INFO 498B: Special Topics - Input & Interaction (Spring 2008 & 2009)

Solving the occlusion problem that occurs when using desktop pointing devices for goal crossing was assigned as the final project in INFO 498B for two years 2008-2009.

 

Course Description

The ability for humans to enter information is a cornerstone of human-computer interaction (HCI). This course examines a number of ways people can communicate with computer and information systems through input and interaction techniques, including the invention of recent techniques for emerging computing paradigms. Topics include mouse pointing, pointing facilitation, text entry, mobile interaction, large displays, eye and voice input, accessibility, and theoretical models of movement and perception (e.g. Fitts’ law, Steering law, Hick-Hyman law). Evaluation of techniques is also covered. The course culminates in a project in which students design and build an input or interaction technique. Some programming experience is strongly recommended.

 

Course syllabus (.pdf)

Course schedule and reading list

 

Class Project: Solving the Occlusion Problems for Accessible Goal Crossing User Interfaces

The purpose of the course project is to give students an opportunity to leverage what they have learned in this class in the creation of an interaction technique of their own. The students can reflect on the techniques they have seen, the models of input and interaction, the underlying principles of human perception and motor control, and the clever design ideas that make a technique successful. The students will bring all of this to bear in the development of their own interactive prototype demonstrating a solution to the occlusion problem in mouse-based goal crossing user interfaces designed to be accessible to people with motor impairments. The students are creating the fundamental interaction design for the “zero-button mouse.”

 

Students' Final Presentation Slides