Course Description
This course examines the design and implementation of interactive systems that integrate digital computation with physical environments through embedded technologies, connected objects, and spatially situated media. Drawing on principles from physical computing, human–computer interaction, ubiquitous computing, and experience design, the course explores how sensor networks, microcontrollers, and location-aware technologies enable responsive, adaptive, and participatory environments.
Students investigate how networked objects and spatial computing infrastructures create new forms of creative expression, cultural engagement, and technological innovation across public spaces, exhibitions, smart environments, and urban contexts. Emphasis is placed on the conceptualization, prototyping, and evaluation of location-based experiences and interactive installations that respond to human presence, movement, and environmental data. The course integrates technical development with experiential design while critically addressing usability, privacy, sustainability, and ethical considerations.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
Knowledge
- Demonstrate advanced understanding of physical computing systems, embedded architectures, and networked interaction models
- Explain principles of location-aware technologies and spatial data integration
- Analyze the role of connected objects in contemporary experience design and innovation ecosystems
Skills
- Design and build interactive hardware systems using sensors, actuators, and microcontrollers
- Program real-time interaction and networked communication between devices and platforms
- Develop location-based digital experiences integrating spatial data and user interaction
- Test and refine interactive systems for reliability, responsiveness, and user engagement
Competencies
- Integrate digital–physical interaction design into creative and technological projects
- Develop scalable networked systems for public and cultural environments
- Apply user-centered principles to physical and spatial computing contexts
- Address ethical, privacy, and sustainability challenges in connected experiential systems
Key Topics Covered
- Foundations of physical computing and embedded systems
- Sensor technologies and interactive feedback mechanisms
- Microcontrollers and prototyping platforms
- Networked objects and Internet of Things architectures
- Location-based services and spatial data systems
- Interactive installations and responsive environments
- Human–computer interaction in physical and urban spaces
- System integration and performance optimization
- Sustainability in hardware and experiential design
- Ethical and privacy considerations in spatial and connected technologies