January 17-19, 2024
Course on Theory in Human-Computer Interaction
University of Copenhagen
About the course
The course provides an introduction to current discussions about theory in human-computer interaction. It will cover both substantive issues about theories, such as activity theory and self-determination theory, and discussions about the possible and actual role of theory in HCI.
The course will consist of an introduction to the use and development of theory in HCI. This will be done both through lectures and through hands-on work with students' own theoretical ideas. Then, the course will discuss a few selected theories in depth, based on lectures by visiting professors. At the end of the course, students will discuss and practice the limitations of theoretical work in human-computer interaction. They will also relate what they have learned to their own dissertation projects and the theories used therein.
Agenda
The course will be lectures intertwined with exercises about theory.
The course will be completed if PhD students participate in the course and hand in a paper three weeks after the course. The paper will cover a discussion of selected papers on theory in HCI as well as analysis and reflection on the student's own projects, vis a vis the readings and discussions at the course.
Preliminary Schedule
Slides: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1olThT_ZJ4YO9lj9CdSsPLi6EWI0WoDtrA6VKuo-160A/edit?usp=sharing
Day 1 (Wednesday, 17.01)
08:50 - Zoo opens
09:00 - Breakfast
09:15 - Introduction to Theory
10:45 - Break
11:00 - Philosophy of Science and Theory/Design Spaces
12:30 - Lunch
13:30 - How to Theorize
15:15 - Cake and coffee
15:30 - Entanglement
17:00 - End of the day
18:00 - Dinner
Day 2 (Thursday, 18.10)
08:50 - Zoo opens
09:00 - Breakfast
09:15 - Theorizing in Action
10:45 - Break
11:00 - Casual Modelling
12:30 - Lunch
13:30 - Hands-On Modelling
15:15 - Cake and coffee
15:30 - Breaking Points of Theory
17:00 - End of the day
Day 3 (Friday, 19.01)
08:50 - Zoo opens
09:00 - Breakfast
09:15 - Barriers to Using, Testing, and Developing Theory
10:45 - Break
11:00 - Group Discussion
12:30 - Lunch
13:30 - Wrap Up
14:00 - End of the day
Practical Information
Registration: to register for the course, by December 1, 2023
1. Follow this link and register for the course on the university page.
2. Send your CV and motivational letter to Kasper Hornbaek (kash@di.ku.dk).
Your motivational letter should be about one page and touch upon questions: (1) why do you want to participate in a course, and (2) what is your favorite theory?
Fee: 2500 DKK.
ECTS: You will get 3 ECTS by completing the course.
Instructors
Venue
Copenhagen Zoo - Bistro Panpan
Roskildevej 32, 2000 Frederiksberg