DESIGN 6397

Design for Physical Interaction I

Course Description

Course information provided by the 2025-2026 Catalog.

This course provides an introduction to the human-centered and technical workings behind interactive devices ranging from cell phones and video controllers to household appliances and smart cars. This is a hands-on, lab-based course. Topics include electronics prototyping, interface prototyping, sensors and actuators, microcontroller development, physical prototyping, and user testing.

Last 4 terms offered (None)

Outcomes REF-FA25

• Demonstrate understanding of key computation, sensing, actuation, and communication components that make up modern interactive devices.
• Develop skill in designing and prototyping interactive systems.
• Demonstrate ability to test interactive systems with users.
• Demonstrate ability to integrate software, embedded hardware, sensing, display, actuation, and communication devices to make functioning systems.
• Apply open-source software libraries to control system operation, obtain user input and provide interactive response.

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