Interaction Science

Module overview

This module explores the science of interaction, a formalisation of how humans, animals and intelligent agents engage with each other through interactive systems. The module extends foundational concepts of HCI and studies both classical and emerging perspectives in affective computing, activity theory, approaches to designing for behaviour change (such as nudges and gamification), animal–computer interaction (ACI), human–robot interaction (HRI), digital health, and design for disability. Through lectures, practical workshops, and a group project, you will learn how to design, implement, and evaluate interactive systems. The module emphasises reflective and user-centred design processes. You will learn to apply appropriate methods of thematic analysis with reflexivity, ensuring sensitivity to diverse user perspectives and ethical considerations in design and evaluation.

Aims and Objectives

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

Core conceptual frameworks in HCI, such as activity theory and affective computing, tangible and embodied interaction, and feminist perspectives.
The principles of inclusive, participatory, and disability-aware design in interaction contexts.
The interdisciplinary nature of interaction science, drawing on computing, psychology, and design.
Theoretical and practical foundations of the science of interaction across human, robotic, animal, and non-dyadic interactions.
Behavioural design approaches such as nudges and gamification, and their ethical implications.

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

Communicate design concepts and evaluation outcomes clearly through visual, written, and oral media.
Demonstrate reflective awareness of your own role and learning in group settings and design work.

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

Reflect critically on the implications of interaction design for diverse users and contexts.
Contribute to the specification, design, and evaluation of an interactive prototype in a team setting.
Apply key theoretical models to analyse and justify design choices in interactive systems.

Learning and Teaching

Teaching and learning methods

Two weekly one-hour, in-person lectures and one two-hour fortnightly workshop, complemented with independent study. * Lectures: introduce and contextualise theoretical and methodological content. * Workshops: practical, discussion-based sessions developing analytical, creative, and reflective skills. * Independent study: background reading, project development, report writing, and exam preparation.

Study time
Type	Hours
Workshops	12
Lecture	24
Assessment tasks	50
Preparation for scheduled sessions	12
Wider reading or practice	52
Total study time	150

Assessment

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Group project	50%
Written exam	40%
Portfolio of evidence	10%