KV7005 - Intelligent User Interfaces

What will I learn on this module?

At the cutting edge of interactive technologies we find intelligent systems. Artificial Intelligence (AI) increasingly allows interactive systems to work with autonomy, making decisions for users, carrying out tasks for them, and prompting input. As systems become increasingly intelligent, the challenges of designing interfaces that are transparent, understandable and accountable to the users become harder. In this module you will study the human factors considerations of designing, using and evaluating intelligent user interfaces (IUIs). You will study a number of application areas of IUIs, and will practice the design and evaluation skills of the Human-Computer Interaction professional to specifically prototype and evaluate an IUI in class.

Taking a human-centred perspective throughout, indicative topics that will be addressed will include (but are not limited to):

IUI Design and Prototyping Techniques
Voice User Interfaces / Natural Language Systems
Agent-Based Interactions / Chatbots
Recommender Systems
Human-Robot Interaction (Industrial and Personal)
Job/Function Allocation
AI and Secure Systems
Vehicle Automation / Intelligent Transport
Home Automation
Smart Cities
IUI Ethics

How will I learn on this module?

Students will learn through weekly workshops which will combine lectures about key issues, topics and theories in IUI application, and hands-on practical skill learning and practice for doing IUI design, prototyping and evaluation work. This will be accompanied by a live group project in which they will respond to a client brief to design and prototype an interactive artefact or experience for social change. Students will also complete a piece of substantial desk-based research (essay) to motivate, document, and critically reflect on their project work.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

Support on the module will be provided by the module team, e.g:

o The designated Module tutor and associated teaching staff (faculty members – the module team) including practical class support from PhD students and Post-docs working in the area of Human-Computer Interaction. The module team, will provide support for students including answering student queries and providing guidance in relation to the module, including its assessment and the student’s academic progress. You can seek support in-class and can also request it outside of class time via appointment (see ‘Communication with staff’)

o Communication with staff – this is supported in a number of ways, including:
o Email – you will be to contact members of staff via email
o eLearning Portal (eLP) - this is used to providing you with specific information related to the module, such as copies of lecture and seminar handouts, assignment briefings, instructions, and announcements
o Appointments - members of staff operate an open-door policy. However, as academic staff may teach on many modules/programmes and be engaged in research activities, you are advised to make an appointment to see them.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
1. Development and trajectory (History and Future) of IUIs
2. Understanding design and evaluation principles and techniques for IUIs
3. Understanding of specific application areas of IUIs
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
4. Design, prototyping and demonstration of an IUI concept

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
5. Demonstrate critical engagement with ethical challenges of the application of IUIs in different contexts.

How will I be assessed?

Two courseworks (100%):

Project prototype and presentation/demo (60%) (MLO 2, 4) [working to a brief set by an external ‘client’ individual students will prototype and present an IUI concept design demonstrating how they have considered user-needs and requirements in the development of the design concept – depending on the brief set each year.]

Individual essay (40%) (MLO 1, 3, 5) [a 2000 word critical reflection on a topic set each year which will require desk-based research, furthering understanding developed through the lecture material provided.]

Pre-requisite(s)

None

Co-requisite(s)

None

Module abstract

This module gives you a detailed understanding of Intelligent User Interfaces and how to design them. As technology becomes more complex, it is increasingly common to use AI to enhance the user experience. Interacting with automated systems such as chatbots online or devices such as Amazon’s Alexa at home or even driving in an automated vehicle on the road, all bring users into interaction with ‘Intelligent User Interfaces’ (IUIs). This module gives you the practical knowledge to understand the practical advantages and potential disadvantages of such technologies and the skills to understand how to design and evaluate them well, from a human-centred perspective, optimising the user experience.

Course info

Credits 20

Level of Study Postgraduate

Mode of Study 1 year Full Time

Department Computer and Information Sciences

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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