Cognitive Interaction Design 7.5 credits

About the course

This course looks at interaction design from a cognitive science perspective. Using (digital) artefacts as the main study object, the focus is on theoretical considerations of interaction design and its (cognitive) consequences on human users. We usually attribute character and intentional behavior to the people and artefacts that we interact with. How we perceive these artefacts is partly shaped by their design, and partly by our own cognitive capabilities and previous experiences. Understanding how design affects cognition (and vice versa) becomes increasingly important in the age of ubiquitous computing and the rise of autonomous systems.

The covers includes:

questions of how (digital) artefacts are perceived and conceptualized by their users;
artefact complexity: different kinds of complexity, the artefacts role in interaction, and how to mediate it;
cognitive tools: supporting cognition with (digital) artefacts, and artefacts as (integral) part of cognition;
user interfaces: from desktop to mobile to ubiquitous computing;
the role of emotions and aesthetics;
an outlook on latest developments in the field.

Some of the theories and techniques are applied in group-work project assignments.

Show syllabus

Apply

Autumn 2025
- Cognitive Interaction Design
  
  Autumn 2025 / Umeå / English / On site
  
  Submit a late application
  
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  Starts
  1 September 2025
  
  Ends
  2 November 2025
  
  Number of credits
  7.5 credits
  
  Type of studies
  On site
  
  Study pace
  50%
  
  Teaching hours
  Daytime
  
  Study location
  Umeå
  
  Language
  English
  
  Application code
  UMU-57216
  
  Eligibility At least 90 ECTS, including 45 ECTS Computing Science or Cognitive Science, or 120 ECTS within a study programme. At least 7.5 ECTS human-computer interaction. Proficiency in English equivalent to the level required for basic eligibility for higher studies.
  
  Selection
  Academic credits
  
  Application
  Application deadline was 15 April 2025. Submit a late application at Universityadmissions.se.
  
  Application and tuition fees
  As a citizen of a country outside the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you are required to pay application and tuition fees for studies at Umeå University.
  
  Application fee: SEK 900
  
  Tuition fee, first instalment: SEK 19,038
  
  Total fee: SEK 19,038
  
  Details about tuition, fees and funding

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