Input and Interaction

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/interaction-techniques

Introduction

### Course Review: Input and Interaction on Coursera In today's digital landscape, the way we interact with technology is evolving rapidly. The course titled **"Input and Interaction"** on Coursera addresses this evolution by delving into essential fundamentals of human motor performance, perception, and cognition to inform effective interaction design. For anyone interested in enhancing their skills in user experience (UX) design, this course is a must-try. #### Course Overview **Input and Interaction** is designed to provide foundational knowledge that is crucial for creating effective input and interaction techniques. Unlike many design courses that focus solely on visual output, this course emphasizes the often-overlooked aspect of input – teaching students that quality input should be on equal footing with output. Throughout the course, learners will explore various input methods, their mathematical modeling, and how to apply these insights to both traditional graphic and gestural interfaces. ### Syllabus Breakdown 1. **Input:** - The course begins by challenging the common perception that interfaces are all about what is seen on the screen. This module emphasizes the significance of input, presenting it as a critical component of user interaction. - Key topics include understanding user behavior mathematically, the journey of input from fingertip to screen, and evaluating the diversity of input devices available today. - By exploring the mechanics of input, students will gain insight into how different devices can enhance the user's experience and operational efficiency. 2. **Search & Navigation:** - In an age where information overload is commonplace, the ability to search and navigate effectively is paramount. This module positions search design as a cornerstone of human-computer interaction. - Topics covered include methodologies for facilitating efficient search strategies, its application in various environments such as e-commerce and digital libraries, and enhancing user capability to find needed resources or discover new ones. - Students will learn to design systems that not only help users find what they are looking for but can also guide them to unexpected, valuable information. 3. **Gestural Interfaces:** - This section investigates the evolution of interaction methods, showcasing the transition from the traditional graphical user interface (WIMP) to more advanced gestural interfaces. - As gestural interfaces gain traction, the course dives into their potential for providing intuitive and direct interaction, alongside the challenges they present. - By discussing real-world examples and case studies, learners will acquire the skills necessary to design gestural interfaces that are user-friendly and effective, mitigating frustration and enhancing interaction. ### Recommendation I highly recommend the **Input and Interaction** course for several reasons: - **Comprehensive Coverage:** The course extensively covers critical aspects of interaction design, ensuring that you learn what makes inputs effective, the importance of search design, and the future of gestural interfaces. - **Interactive Learning:** The course includes practical applications and assignments that allow you to apply theories and principles learned in real-world scenarios. This hands-on approach reinforces learning and enhances retention. - **Expert Instruction:** The course is led by experienced instructors in the field of human-computer interaction, ensuring that the material is relevant and grounded in up-to-date research and industry practices. - **Flexible Learning Pace:** Offered on Coursera, the course allows you the flexibility to learn according to your own schedule, accommodating both students and professionals seeking to expand their knowledge without disrupting their current commitments. In conclusion, **Input and Interaction** is an exemplary course for anyone passionate about designing intuitive and effective interfaces. By understanding the fundamental principles of input and interaction, students will be well-equipped to improve user experiences in various technological contexts. Whether you’re aiming to begin a career in UX design or elevate your current skill set, this course serves as a valuable educational asset.

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.

We live in an information-rich world. Consequently, the hardest part of interaction is often finding what we want or finding something that we didn’t know what to ask for. From e-commerce to digital libraries, good search design is central to human-computer interaction in the 21st century.

The graphical user interface with windows, icons, menus, and pointers (WIMP) was a massive advance beyond the command line. It also took 20 years to go from research labs into people’s homes. We’re in the midst of a new sea change now. Gestural interfaces can be even more direct and more natural. They can also be even more frustrating. In this module, you’ll learn how to tell the difference and design gestural interfaces that work.