Teaching Human–Computer Interaction Through the Integration of Engineering and Design Principles

ABSTRACT Human–computer interaction is a branch of computer science dedicated to the study of how human beings use computers and using the knowledge to develop hardware and software that are efficient and satisfying to users. The purpose of this paper was to develop an instructional approach in human–computer interaction in which students undertake a series of small projects requiring engineering and design skills. Accordingly, we designed three projects, (1) to design the user interface of a digital system taking into consideration performance‐related and ergonomics‐related parameters, (2) to design a new typeface for any specific application or user group, and (3) to test the usability of a digital system by objectively assessing measurable parameters, such as effectiveness and efficiency, and self‐reported parameters, such as satisfaction and cognitive load. The projects involved interaction with end users and using state‐of‐the‐art software tools. This approach was used to teach 104 undergraduate students during the autumn semester of 2024. An analysis showed that the projects provided the students an opportunity to collaborate with their peer and they performed better in examination.