Recommended prerequisite for participation in
the module
The module adds to knowledge obtained in Introduction to
Programming, Interaction Design, and Mathematics for Multimedia
Applications.
Content, progress and pedagogy of the
module
Objectives:
Physical Interface Design is a course module where students
learn about basic principles of electronics and how different
sensors can be interfaced to a microcontroller to design novel
forms of interactions between man and machines.
Learning objectives
Knowledge
Students who complete the module will obtain the following
qualifications:
- Should be able to recall basic circuit theory concepts and
rules, including resistance, voltage, current, Ohm’s law, and
Kirchoff’s laws (knowledge)
- Should be able to describe basic analog (e.g., potentiometers,
force sensitive resistors) and digital (e.g., push button, touch
interface) sensing technologies (knowledge)
- Should be able to express how a micro-controller can be used
for measuring/actuating analog and digital inputs/outputs by the
use of sensors and output devices (e.g., displays, LEDs, and
vibrators) (understanding)
- Should be able to recall that some functionalities can be
implemented using both hardware and software
(knowledge), and to discuss the pros and cons of
either solution (understanding)
- Should be able to identify practical needs in electric circuits
such as DC filtering and circuit protection
(understanding)
- Should be able to describe basic amplification (e.g., OpAmp)
and filtering (e.g., RC and RL) circuits
(knowledge)
- Should be able to explain basic concepts such as sampling and
scaling in context of real-time use of signals
(understanding)
Skills
Students who complete the module will obtain the following
qualifications:
- Should be able to apply the taught skills and methods on
physical interface design to develop a prototype/artifact, and to
demonstrate its use (application)
- Should be able to formulate a linear system of equations for
voltage, current and resistance relationships in an electric
circuit, and to solve the system to find unknown currents,
voltages, or resistances (application)
- Should be able to use an electronic circuit simulator
(application)
- Should be able to sketch and interpret an electric circuit
diagram (application)
- Should be able to program a microcontroller to make it read
inputs from sensor circuits and produce output(s) to a user (e.g.,
vibration, light, and text) (application)
- Should be able to examine and verify basic electric circuit
designs using, e.g., a multimeter, and to test if a build electric
circuit has the desired functionalities
(analysis)
- Should be able to apply basic interface design principles for
realizing a physical interface for human-computer interaction in
the context of use (application)
- Should be able to assess the artifact by applying taught
evaluation method(s) (evaluation)
Competences
Students who complete the module will obtain the following
qualifications:
- Should be able to summarize the whole design process of the
artifact (synthesis)
- Should be able to use correct technical and theoretical terms
in dissemination (application)
Type of instruction
Refer to the overview of instruction types listed in § 17. The
types of instruction for this course are decided in accordance with
the current Joint Programme Regulations and directions are decided
and given by the Study Board for Media Technology.
Exam
Prerequisite for enrollment for the exam
- Handing in of written assignments or the like
- Completion of certain – or all – study activities
Exams
Name of exam | Physical Interface Design |
Type of exam | Written or oral exam
Note that if admittance to the exam or parts of the assessment is
to be based on written work or exercises, a deadline is stipulated
for when the work must be handed in. |
ECTS | 5 |
Permitted aids | With certain aids:
See semester description |
Assessment | 7-point grading scale |
Type of grading | Internal examination |
Criteria of assessment | The criteria of assessment are stated in the Examination
Policies and Procedures |