Students must complete short online preparatory courses before the program begins. Students can access the courses online during the summer, at their convenience, at no extra charge. Students who are interested in additional support can join the scheduled on-campus office hours. The preparatory courses are:

• Introduction to Computing Principles

  This preparatory course provides an introduction to basic concepts in the field of computer software, coding in a web-based IDE called P5, the Javascript language, and the process of debugging and creating a simple project. The purpose of the course is to prepare students towards the technical courses in the program. The basic CS concepts covered are: procedural thinking, flow charts, algorithmic thinking, flow chart of simple algorithms, computer memory, types of variables, input, output, conditional branching, types of loops. The basic coding skills covered are: what is an IDE, setting up a workspace, starting a new project, defining key variables, reading input from keyboard and mouse, setting output via screen/graphics, using the default library, using additional libraries, compiling, debugging, writing comments, searching documentation, using the console view. The specific Javascript code primitives learned are: variables, console.log (debugging), If loop, For loop, While loop, functions, setup loop, draw loop, line, rect, ellipse, mouseX, mouseY, keyCode, keyPressed.
• Introduction to Applied Research Methods

  Research methods are essential tools for interaction researchers. The mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative methods is a highly useful technique both in the industry (UX researchers) and academia (HCI researchers). In this course, we provide a basic introduction for students with no previous background in research methods. Students will gain a basic understanding of the different aspects that should be considered when designing new research.
• Introduction to Visual Design

  This course provides an introduction to concepts and best practices in visual design, topics include: What is Visual Design, Visual Identity, Compositions, Typography, Image and Evolution of UI Design.
• Introduction to Human-Computer Interaction

  This course provides an introduction to key topics in the field of HCI and UX research, including a short historical overview, common methodologies, key perspectives, and examples of several topics.

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• Ethics and Technology

  Dr. Noa Morag

  Technology shapes every aspect of the human experience and is the primary driver of social, cultural and ecological change. This course will challenge students as designers and developers of new technology, to critically analyze the ethical implications of the new technologies. The course covers foundational ethical theories, principles, and relevant use cases that illustrate the ethical challenges and considerations in the design, development, and deployment of new digital technologies such as AI, Bio technologies, Climate engineering, UX/UI, Social Robotics, Autonomous cars, Voice interfaces and more. Students will engage in discussions, case studies, and projects to critically analyze and address ethical issues.
• Quantitive HCI Research Methods

  Dr. Hadas Erel

  This course provides a review of descriptive and inferential statistics and how these techniques are used with research methods appropriate for UX. Students will become familiar with various methods for data analysis, designing experiments and evaluating different aspects of UX designs. The course will involve both frontal lectures and active engagement with the material including analyses of data sets, designing experiments and critical judgment of existing research both inside and outside the classroom.
• Contemporary Topics in HCI: Key Trends and Open Questions

  Prof. Oren Zuckerman

  
  In this fast-paced lecture series, students will read and critically discuss seminal and recent research papers in the academic field of HCI. Topics include: Human-Centered Computing, Current approaches to Ubiquitous Computing, AI and Human-Centered Machine Learning, Tangible and Material interaction, Human-Robot Interaction, Spatial Computing (VR and AR), Design Research and meaning-making approaches in HCI. Students will learn how academic research is highly relevant for industry innovation processes, how to search papers around a specific topic of their interest, how to conduct a literature review and identify possible gaps in current knowledge, and how to define potential research directions and questions they are motivated to explore.
• UX Design: Cognition and Emotion

  Dr. Jacob Greenshpan

  
  Research methods are an essential tool for interaction designers and user researchers, both in academia and industry. This course will introduce several user research methodologies and techniques, combining quantitative and qualitative methods. Research methodologies include: user journey mapping, interviews and thematic coding, concept design and low fidelity user testing, flow analysis, information architecture validation techniques, user testing techniques (think aloud ,moderated, unmoderated).
• Cognition-centered Design : from theory to practice

  Dr. Hadas Erel

  
  The course will present selected fundamental principles from cognitive and social psychology that are relevant to designing User Experience (UX). The cognitive principles will allow for designing experiences that are optimized for human perception, memory, and higher cognitive processes. The social principles will open new directions for creating interactions that leverage human fundamental social processes. Students will acquire knowledge and will be able to analyze and apply cognitive and social principles related to UX. They can identify relevant underlying processes and decide if and when they should be used for creating a high-quality UX. Students will experience in practice the optimal application of cognitive and social principles in the design of user experience.

   

• Creative Prototyping Studio: Self-expression Through Digital Fabrication

  Mr. Ohad Meyuhas

  
  In this intensive, hands-on, and documentation-based learning course, students will immerse themselves in the dynamic world of product design, iteration, and user experience (UX). From initial concept to fully functional prototypes, students will gain expertise in the latest trends in digital fabrication, mastering the use of cutting-edge tools and machines—from Computer-Aided Design (CAD) to Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM). Beyond software tools, the course introduces advanced technologies like 3D printing, laser cutting, and vinyl cutting, expanding students’ understanding of modern fabrication methods and materials. Through creative, hands-on projects, students will develop physical prototypes at varying levels of fidelity, from low to medium. This course not only explores digital fabrication as an expressive medium but also offers valuable insights into its impact on design and technology while emphasizing the user experience perspective.
• Creative Prototyping Studio: Playful Experimentation with Software

  Mr. Zvika Markfeld

  This course introduces coding as an expressive prototyping tool using the P5.JS programming language. Through a set of small projects, students will explore computation as a medium for curiosity-driven experimentation, by computationally manipulating shapes, textures, movement, reactivity, connectivity, and feedback. Students will become familiar with basic software algorithms, recursion, data structures, object-oriented interfaces, functional abstraction, randomness, concurrency, and more.
• Creative Prototyping Studio: Immersive Experiences with VR and AR (Unity 3D)

  Dr. Jonathan Giron

  
  
  The use of VR, AR, and MR (mixed reality) all rely on 3D environment design as the fundamental prototyping tool. In this workshop, students will learn to design and familiarize themselves with the 3D world and its characteristics. They will start with creating simple 3D environments and then progress to advanced interactive experiences. Those interested can even advance to building immersive experiences, all using the Unity authoring platform. The topics covered will include 3D models, content creation, textures, 3D sound, visual scripting for the behavior of objects, and more, all in interactive 3D environments as well as VR and AR experiences.

   
• Creative Prototyping Studio: Playing with Hardware (Arduino)

  Mr. Zvika Markfeld

  In this course students will learn the basics of hardware prototyping (digital & analog input and output) using Arduino boards, sensors, and various web services for online connectivity. Through a series of small projects students will prototype simple Ubiquitous Computing experiences that sense events in the physical world, leverage cloud computing for simple data analysis, and generate user feedback in the physical world using movement, light, or sound.

Research Seminars Select 1 of the 3

• Non-humanoid Robots Research and Prototyping

  Dr. Hadas Erel & Mr. Benny Megidish

  This intensive seminar will provide a theoretical overview and hands-on experience with autonomous expressive objects. Building on the foundation courses (topics in HCI, UX research methods, psychology, and the various prototyping skills), students will design and implement a new robotic object and evaluate it in a user study using qualitative and quantitative research methods. Topics include a literature review and research question definition, non-humanoid robot design according to academic principles, pilot studies to justify design decisions, experimental design for a full evaluation of human-object interaction, data collection and data analysis, and writing of an academic report about the design process and user study. Students will read and analyze recent HCI papers related to non-humanoid robots, social robots, expressive objects, and shape-change materials.
• Mobile UX Research Methods

  Prof. Oren Zuckerman & Mr. Asaf Barzilay

  This intensive seminar will cover UX and Product methodologies, including user research, need finding, competitive analysis, concept design, customer journey mapping, iterative prototyping using Figma, iterative user testing with qualitative and quantitative data collection, A/B testing using Figma and Maze, data analysis, insights definition, and impact of the insights on product and UX decisions. Students will gain both methodological understanding and hands-on experience of the full mobile UX research, design, and prototyping cycle. At the end of the seminar, students will present their designs and findings to academic and industry experts, and will write an academic-level report on their design process and research findings.
• VR Research and Prototyping

  Prof. Doron Friedman & Dr. Jonathan Giron

  This intensive seminar introduces students to the cutting-edge research and developments in the fields of VR and AR. Students will gain an understanding of the unique concepts of these immersive technologies based on psychological and neuroscientific research findings. Building on the foundation courses (topics in HCI, UX research methods, Psychology, and prototyping skills with Unity), students will design and implement a new VR/AR experience, further advancing their Unity skills. They will also evaluate their projects in a user study using qualitative and quantitative research methods.

Final project (4 credits) Personal mentoring towards a meaningful HCI project for the student's portfolio | Dr. Ayelet Segal, Mr. Ofir Sadka There are three types of projects, students can choose one from below.

• Personal project

  Mr. Ofir Sadka

  Students initiate and lead a project that is based on their own personal passion/ interest. Creating a new interactive experience in Wearables, VR/AR, Robotic objects, Brain technology, etc. Additional fields will be considered based on the student's ability.
• Lab Project

  Mr. Ofir Sadka

  Students join an existing theme or area of research that is in line with the lab agenda. Students experience an academic research cycle. The project usually focuses on development/design OR running a study/analyzing data, or both in unique cases only.
• Conceptual Design Practicum project with an industry partner

  Dr. Ayelet Segal

  Personal mentoring towards a meaningful HCI project for the student's portfolio. Practicum project with industry partner (a UX Research & Design project with an industry partner. Note - for experienced students only, available only if there is a successful match with an industry partner)

• Product Design with Design Systems

  Ms. Meirav Ron

  This course focuses on the role of Product Design within the context of Design Systems, highlighting how UX designers within product teams are also expected to fulfill the responsibilities of product designers, including UI design. Through the structured use of design systems, UX designers are enabled to craft UIs that adhere to established design conventions and patterns. Suitable for those with or without prior experience in UX-UI, this course offers skills to contribute to product teams from a product design perspective.
• Human-AI Co-Creation

  Prof. Doron Friedman
• A Neuroscientist Perspective on HCI

  Prof. Amir Amedi

  
  Technology is extending human abilities. What effect does this technological symbiosis have on our brains and minds? And how should we design technology for a symbiotic future? In this course, we will explore how to take inspiration from neuroscience for HCI related implementations, and how to ask research questions about the brain that are meaningful for HCI. As one of the domains within neuroscience that is most relevant for HCI, we will explore the human sensory experience. In particular we will examine how technology can be used for exposing hidden connections between the senses, and enhancing the human experience. Topics will include, but are not limited to, sensory substitution by means of technology, uncovering connections between the senses, enhancing human neuro-wellness using brain-based technologies, and more.
• The Human Body in Human-Computer Interaction

  Dr. Jonatan Giron

  As advanced human-computer interaction researchers, our goal is to be leaders in our field. To achieve this, we need to thoroughly understand our research subject: "The Human". In this class, we will explore the world of psycho-physiology, delving into advanced physiological research tools and interfaces. We will also examine new paradigms and methods for evaluating implicit responses and designing advanced interfaces based on physiology. In addition, we will discuss the practical applications of this knowledge, such as the development of innovative wearable technologies that extend beyond traditional smartwatches and activity bracelets. By analyzing biological and physiological signals, we can create cutting-edge applications and interfaces for various domains, including wellness, meditation, sports, gaming, medical assessment, rehabilitation, and more
• Advanced UX Research for Organizational Impact

  Tali Rozen

  
  This course will deal with theoretical and practical topics and challenges that emerge in the process of designing successful products from a UX perspective. The course objective is to provide students with advanced techniques in UX for startups and corporations. Students will work on individual projects in mobile, desktop, or physical UX.
• Service Design Methodologies

  Mr. Tzachi Toledo

  Foundation course. Applied Methodology. 2 academic units. Service design and design thinking use a set of methodologies to create unified and meaningful user experiences that reflect customer needs through physical & digital touchpoints. Methodologies include: Design thinking, Design research, Human centric design, Stakeholders research, Customer journeys mapping, Participant observation, Contextual interviews, In-depth interviews, Cultural probes, Personas, Data visualization, Data synthesis, Thematic analysis, Co-creation, User stories, Concepts testing, Service prototypes.
• AI Product Sprint

  Dr. Ayelet Segal

  Focused on user research methodologies in practice, on intensive teamwork with an interdisciplinary group of students, and real industry experience with professional guidance from unicorns and big companies such as Google, Facebook, Monday.com, SimilarWeb, Wix, Appsflyer, etc.

  The research sprint goals are:

  ● Experience how the research methods learned in Semester A are applied in practice (qualitative user research, competitive analysis, defining requirements, flow, wireframes, creating prototypes).

  ● Experience a product development cycle: planning, defining, and executing user research, UX design, and UX prototyping processes.

  ● Collaborate with a cross-functional team under tight deadlines, defining priorities and delivering results.

  ● Learn how to document a full process and submit process and insight reports.

  ● Acquire new skills: presentation skills. The Marathon will engage industry collaborators as mentors and will challenge students to invent new interactive experiences around a specific topic, for example, interaction paradigms for AI conversation agents or VR/AR in the healthcare context.
• Conversational AI interfaces

  Ms. Galit Galperin

  Our computing future will rely heavily on voice enabled technology. Natural language understanding and ML are rapidly evolving, allowing personalization and interaction with machines in all fields - from automotive and hospitality, to healthcare, smart homes and commerce. AI driven voice assistants will become part of human interaction with the world, projection of 8 billion assistants by 2023. Voice queries reduce technology friction, allowing brands and companies to enrich their customers journey with conversational services.

  The course will cover how machines understand humans and how people can teach them to better anticipate user’s needs and will cover examples from leading voice services and use cases from habit forming products, news and media consumption, robotics, commerce and voice enabled entertainment.Students will gain the knowledge of the evolving voice interfaces, get familiar with today's tools and technology, and learn the foundations of the voice design process, while accommodating AI ethics practices into the design process.
• Critical Speculative Design

  Ms. Dana Gordon

  This course is an introduction to the process of interaction design from a cultural perspective, including critical design, design research, research through design, design fiction, and speculative design. These design approaches can assist technology designers to better study and understand how technology influence and interact with society and culture. We will examine classic prototypes, theories, and approaches in this field, and provide students with tools to apply such methods in their future designs and developments.

Student can also choose up to two electives from other programs, subject to availability and minimum prerequisites:

• One-year MBA
• Global MBA
• Computer Science (Taught in Hebrew)
• Communication & New Media (Taught in Hebrew)
• Law & Technology, Psychology (Taught in Hebrew)
• Social Psychology (Taught in Hebrew)