Fall '24 | Human-Computer Interaction Course | NYU Tandon School of Engineering

The Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) course (CS GY-6543/UY-4543) at NYU, which I developed and taught in Fall 2024, focused on human-centered design using emerging technologies. This interdisciplinary course integrated behavioral research, design methods, and evaluation techniques, exploring AR/VR, robotics, AI, and data visualization. Students engaged in lectures combining HCI theories, in-class activities, and discussions on cutting-edge research. Assignments and group projects encouraged them to critique, design, and implement solutions for real-world challenges, fostering collaboration and practical application of HCI principles. The course emphasized design thinking, usability testing, and ethical evaluation of technologies, supported by hands-on workshops in tools like Figma, VR prototyping, and chatbot building, as well as seminars showcasing state-of-the-art HCI research. Ultimately, the course aimed to equip students with the practical, technical, and ethical knowledge necessary to innovate responsibly in HCI-related fields.

GROUP PROJECTS:

The project focused on using human-centered design to develop technological solutions for everyday problems. Teams chose problems they were passionate about, applying HCI research methods such as user interviews, in-depth analyses, and design development to build their final solution prototypes. Teams were asked to design either digital (e.g., an AI-based smart app), virtual (e.g., an AR/VR environment), or physical prototypes (e.g., using sensors or actuators) that showcased both creativity and technical engineering expertise. 

Projects varied widely, addressing everyday needs (like student scheduling/time management), experiences (renting student apartments), and passions (learning tennis or buying makeup), while others focused on a broad societal impact (stroke detection and education in rural India). Students integrated technical skills learned in other courses, such as Computer Vision and Machine Learning, while also developing new skills like electronics prototyping. 

Below are some of the group projects spotlighted.