Human-Centered Design for AI, 5.5 credits

Main field of study with advanced study

The courses Introduction to Data Science 15 hp and Ethics and Human Contexts 7,5 hp

The course is offered in the program Applied Artificial Intelligence (AI), 180 credits.

This course explores the intersection of Human-Centered Design (HCD) and Artificial Intelligence (AI). With a focus on the practical application of (HCD) principles to AI technologies, the course is tailored for students seeking to understand and master the unique challenges and opportunities posed by AI as a design material. Throughout this course, students will not only gain a strong foundation in HCD theories and methodologies, but they will also explore how these design techniques can be utilized effectively to create AI systems that are functional, usable, and ethical. The course emphasizes a holistic view of AI design, considering not just the technical aspects, but also the societal and ethical implications of AI technologies. The goal of the course is for students to emerge with the ability to leverage HCD principles and methods in the development of AI systems that truly serve and empower users. Moreover, students will hone their abilities to critically assess AI designs from a human-centered perspective and cultivate an empathetic and iterative approach to AI design. By the end of this course, students should feel confident to tackle real-world AI design challenges with a user-centric, ethical, and innovative mindset.

Following successful completion of the course the student should be able to:

Knowledge and understanding

• explain the principles and practices of Human-Centered Design (HCD) and its application in the development of AI technologies
• explain the concept of AI as a design material and the considerations that go into using AI effectively in a design context

Skills and ability

• utilize key HCD methods, tools and techniques in the design and implementation of AI systems, focusing on usability, accessibility, and AI-specific functionality
• conceptualize, design, and develop AI solutions that address specific user needs, while considering the ethical, societal, and technical implications

Judgement and approach

• critically evaluate the effectiveness of AI designs from a human-centered perspective, including usability, accessibility, and ethics

The course consists of five main parts:

• Introduction to Human Centered Design: Understanding the philosophy, principles, and practices of HCD
• AI as a Design Material: Exploring the concept of AI as a design material, and its considerations in a design context
• Methods in HCD for AI: Learning about various HCD methods such as user research, ideation, prototyping, testing, and evaluation
• Practical Applications of HCD in AI: Case studies and practical exercises in applying HCD methods for design of AI-powered services
• Ethical and Societal Implications of AI design: including topics like bias, fairness, transparency, and accountability

Teaching consists of lectures, seminar sessions, and project supervision. Teaching is usually conducted in Swedish, but teaching in English may occur.

1. Written Assignment (3 credits): Students will be tasked with designing an AI solution for a real-world problem using Human-Centered Design principles. This project will require students to not only sketch out the design of the solution, but also write a report detailing their design process, the HCD methods used, the ethical considerations they considered, and the ways in which their design addresses specific user needs. In creating their design, students are encouraged to make use of generative AI tools to assist with ideation and prototyping. The student is examined based on the demonstration of knowledge and skills gained throughout the course, the usability and functionality of the AI solution, and the application of ethical and societal considerations in the design process and reflection of the use of AI-based tools for design.

2. Oral Examination (2.5 credits): In this examination, the student will present their AI design project, discuss their design decisions, and answer questions posed by the examiner. This provides an opportunity for the student to demonstrate their understanding of the course material, defend their design choices, and show their ability to critically evaluate and discuss the effectiveness of their designs from a human-centered perspective. The oral examination also allows for a deeper exploration into the student's thought process and their ability to articulate and justify their design decisions, demonstrating their mastery of HCD principles in AI design.

If a disabled student has been granted learning support through a decision by Halmstad University, the examiner may decide on an adapted or alternative form of assessment for this student.

If there are special reasons, the examiner may make exceptions from the specified examination format and allow a student to be examined in another way. Special reasons can e.g. be study support for students with disabilities.

Course evaluation is part of the course. This evaluation offers guidance in the future development and planning of the course. Course evaluation is documented and made available to the students.