AI, Embodiment, and Design

Catalog description

This graduate-level course examines artificial intelligence (AI) as a critical design medium for rethinking human-computer interaction. Moving beyond conventional HCI paradigms, students will explore how AI and physical interfaces can be merged to align with the complexities of human cognition, behavior, and emotion. We particularly focus on physical designs with AI—considering somatic, sensory, and emotional dimensions that are inherent to us. The resulting designs will explore factors beyond accuracy and performance, incorporating users' experience, individuality, and sense of self as central design considerations. The course challenges the prevailing assumption of humans as information processors. Grounded in HCI theories and human-centered design methodologies, students will engage in seminars, research workshops, and hands-on prototyping to envision future interfaces that are more thoughtful, responsible, and intrinsically aligned with us.