TL;DR: Kinda? But not necessarily. 612 is about researching, designing, and prototyping IoT (Internet of Things)
612 builds on 582 but focuses on integrating technology into daily life.
We learn a few new research methods and use them to learn what is culturally appropriate and what opportunities there are to automate/augment human environments / tasks with tech.
As we start designing we also test lo-fidelity physical prototypes with users and learn to "fake" some system responses so we can learn how to best design (this is called Wizard of Oz and it's pretty fun).
We think through what type of interface is best (gestural, voice, sound, ambient, tactile, haptic...) and use some IoT design best practices to design those interactions.
We then have presentations and demos at the end of the semester; something sorta like "Shark Tank" on TV, except with grades and peer-voted awards instead of money.
This is a link to my syllabus: https://drive.google.com/file/d/11MLgTW-xLNC_X3tZCcBoYgCd_O2fzGV9/view?usp=sharing
In SI 612, students learn to design interactive experiences specifically for IoT (Internet of Things) devices, also known as smart devices. These technologies offer exciting new interaction possibilities beyond traditional screen-based interfaces. Throughout the course, you'll explore innovative user interfaces such as voice interaction, gestural controls, tactile and haptic feedback, and ambient interactions. You'll also work with smart devices that incorporate sensors (e.g., motion, light, touch) to incorporate into the user experience and automate or augment tasks for the user.
While SI 582 focuses primarily on designing standard screens, SI 612 takes a broader view, allowing you to design user experiences that may have non-standard screen sizes or shapes—or may not even involve screens at all. Additionally, you'll learn new research methods tailored to these advanced interaction contexts: Cultural Probes, Diary Studies, Wizard of Oz, and more!
Here are some examples of past student projects:
PulseAid - CPR Coach
These projects showcase the range and creativity of student work in SI 612, offering practical insights into the course experience.
This is a link to my syllabus: https://drive.google.com/file/d/11MLgTW-xLNC_X3tZCcBoYgCd_O2fzGV9/view?usp=sharing
In SI 612, students learn to design interactive experiences specifically for IoT (Internet of Things) devices, also known as smart devices. These technologies offer exciting new interaction possibilities beyond traditional screen-based interfaces. Throughout the course, you'll explore innovative user interfaces such as voice interaction, gestural controls, tactile and haptic feedback, and ambient interactions. You'll also work with smart devices that incorporate sensors (e.g., motion, light, touch) to incorporate into the user experience and automate or augment tasks for the user.
While SI 582 focuses primarily on designing standard screens, SI 612 takes a broader view, allowing you to design user experiences that may have non-standard screen sizes or shapes—or may not even involve screens at all. Additionally, you'll learn new research methods tailored to these advanced interaction contexts: Cultural Probes, Diary Studies, Wizard of Oz, and more!
Here are some examples of past student projects:
PulseAid - CPR Coach
These projects showcase the range and creativity of student work in SI 612, offering practical insights into the course experience.
In SI 612, you’ll learn to design for cutting-edge technologies shaping the future of interaction design:
AI & Machine Learning Interfaces: Master the skills to create intuitive designs for intelligent systems—a must-have for modern UX roles.
Voice Interfaces: Design for ubiquitous systems like Alexa, Siri, and smart cars, meeting the growing demand for voice UI expertise.
Context & Implicit Interactions: Learn to leverage environmental data to create seamless smart home and gadget experiences.
Multi-Screen & Form Factor Design: Adapt your designs for smartwatches, voice UIs, e-ink displays, and other innovative devices.
Smart Object Interactions: Prototype physical controls like buttons and switches while considering privacy and learnability.
Advanced Research & Prototyping Techniques:
Use Diary Studies and Cultural Probes to ensure cultural fit.
Rapidly test concepts with Speed Dating + User Enactments and Wizard of Oz methods.
Gain hands-on experience with sensors, microprocessors, and simple circuits to bring your ideas to life.
Take this course to future-proof your design skills and stand out in the UX and IoT industry!
TL;DR: I listen to student feedback every semester and iterate on the course. I have been checking in and students this semester (F24) have reported that the workload "isn't that bad". One even laughed at me for asking.
In past semesters, we have had students report a higher workload.
In part, this was due to a technical issue we experienced with university network connections that made more work for students and instructors.
We now have a wifi hotspot for our class to use so we no longer experience this issue.
We have also upgraded our equipment and worked with the university network team to minimize this risk.
Hopefully Atlas data will catch up and indicate that in a few years? I think it's a 5-year average you see there.
I have also made some assignments optional, so if you understand that specific concept as taught in lecture, you aren't required to do the reading. You can just demonstrate you learned it by applying the technique in your project.
TL;DR: I have adjusted the class and provide resources to make sure students who have not taken 622 feel comfortable. You should be okay...and may even learn to have fun with it.
Of the classes I've taught, 612 is the one I'm most experienced with. I've taught the class enough times to know that in Fall I get 2nd year students who have completed 622 and (often) an internship. They are ready to dive in and don't need as much guidance on the research required in 612.
When I teach the class in Winter, 99% of those students are in their 1st year at UMSI and typically have not finished 622. So to address that gap, I provide research templates, cheat sheets, and instructor & peer critique opportunities before research homework is completed. Last year I had a good number of my 582 students take 612 with me; they did incredibly well in the class and also enjoyed it a lot.
TL;DR: Three workshops and a final project involve programming. With examples, self-paced videos, and instructor support, you should be just fine.
In SI 612, there are three in-class workshops where we introduce IoT programming basics. The programs are short and straightforward, and we guide you through every step. Over my years teaching this course since 2017, I’ve tailored instructions to prevent common misunderstandings and ensure clarity.
We offer self-paced videos with detailed slides and troubleshooting guides to address common obstacles. Since the exercises are self-paced, instructors can focus on helping students who need extra assistance. If you’re more comfortable with programming, you can skip parts of the videos or just use the slides.
Most students complete the exercises during class or by midnight the same day. If you encounter challenges, we offer generous extensions and office hours to ensure you have the time and support to succeed.
For the final project, programming is required to build a prototype, but by that point, most students feel comfortable working independently or collaborating with teammates. We also dedicate in-class time for project work, so you can get real-time help from instructors if you get stuck.
TL;DR: This class is designed for teams of 3-5 students to collaborate on projects. It's too much work for one or two students, but I provide significant support to help teams run smoothly. Most students report that their teams are doing very well.
When we form teams, we let you specify:
some people you want to work with
some people you want to avoid
your strengths and weaknesses in research, design, and programming.
Every semester so far I have been able to:
Avoid putting students in teams with people they want to avoid
~99% of the time I can put students with at least one person they request to work with
If I can't do that, I often can put that student with a team who requested to work with them, so it helps them feel welcomed and appreciated
Balance skills across teams fairly well. I am usually able to put someone who is stronger in programming on every team and do my best to balance out other skills.
"I think all classes should form groups this based on skills. That worked really well."
-W24 student
Also, note that while you may have an awesome idea for an IoT project, this class requires students to explore what is appropriate for the environment and audience they select to augment/automate with IoT. To be successful, you and your team need to show connections between your research and your design to ensure the technology will seamlesssly integrate into a human environment and add value to society.
I've had a few undergrad students per semester the last few years and they have done very well in the course. You're absolutely welcome to join us. Just email slbrento@umich.edu and umsi.registrar@umich.edu and let us know if you completed the pre-requisite (SI 482).
Here is an inspirational video of some skills you will leverage in this class. This one is a creative project with LEDs, conductive ink, and some paper crafts.
Video by TKSST - The Kids Should See This
Smart videos for curious minds of all ages.