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The module aims at providing an overview of the relationships between computing systems and human beings, from a technological perspective.

The first weeks introduce the main theoretical and technical concepts of human-computer interaction (HCI), such as cognitive aspects of visual design, interaction design, persuasion, and user experience. This is fundamental to understanding the role of both users and designers of computer interfaces. Once equipped with the basic theoretical tools, the lectures will involve critical discussions around user-centered design issues. The students will analyze the risks and possibilities associated to computing interfaces, wearable technologies, and data visualisation.

The second part of the module will focus on social media, AI and algorithms, with a broad introduction to the main techniques and challenges involved, e.g., machine learning and data science. In this part as well, once equipped with the basic conceptual tools, students will focus on the ethical challenges of modern AI systems, with a discussion on the concepts of accountability and trust (e.g., should we trust news in a Deepfake world? Should we trust autonomous cars?).

Lectures and seminars are meant to be as interactive as possible, with both lecturers and students actively contributing.

Teaching Delivery

This module is taught in 10 weekly lectures and 10 PGTA-led seminars.

Indicative Topics *Based on module content in 2023-24. The content is subject to possible changes.Ìý

• Introduction to Human Computer Interaction (HCI); cognitive aspects of Visual Interface and Interaction design;ÌýÌý
• User-experience and persuasion; Ìý
• Introduction to data visualisation, possibilities and risks. Cultural aspects of data visualisation. Misuses and malicious use of data visualisation.Ìý
• Social media and Crowdsourcing, the human cost of computation,Ìý
• Internet of Things and Ubiquitous computing; wearable devices and the concept of quantified self; Big data, recommender and user profiling, techniques and ethical issues;Ìý
• Introduction to basic techniques in AI and knowledge representationÌý
• Ethics and social issues in AI: autonomous agents (e.g., self driving cars, caring robots, war drones), ethical decision, responsibility of algorithms; Bias in AI;Ìý
• Altering reality: Deepfake and modern text-generating language models.Ìý
• Technological deskill and upskill, augmented humansÌý

Module aims and objectives

1. Provide a deeper understanding of the interconnections between human and computers in terms of interfaces and interactionsÌý
2. Provide a critical understanding of the theoretical underpinning of popular technologies and design techniques, e.g., AI, HCI, UX, Social MediaÌý
3. Provide a technical understanding of the technologies discussed in order to critically evaluate their potential future development and current capabilitiesÌý
4. Provide a socio-psychological and ethical background of the technologies discussed.

Recommended Reading

All the materials will be discussed weekly and provided by the lecturer In PDF, pptx or multimedia format on Moodle.