Courses in Computer Science, Roskilde University

DIE: Design of Interactive Experiences (preliminary course description)

The use of physical interaction is becoming widespread in computer applications due to the availablity of cheap programmable sensors and ever faster, smaller processors. Body movements, hand gestures and even facial expressions among other things can be tracked in real time. The goal of the course is to explore the use of these new technologies in designing installations for various purposes such as story-telling, entertainment or art.

The course will be based in the Experience Cylinder in the Experience Lab at CBIT, which is an open platform allowing display on a large 360 degree circular screen, and interaction via body and gesture tracking.

Contents

• Architecture and essential algorithms for creating installations
• A notation for structure and content of experiences,
• The design process: technology- and user-driven aspects

Learning outcomes

• be familiar with fundamental control structures and techniques for managing physical interaction,
• learn how to structure an experience using the available media, tracking devices and possibilities for interaction,
• understand the processes of designing and evaluating interactive experiences together with the appropriate target group.