What will I learn on this module?
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing the role of technologies in decision making processes and transforming our everyday interactions with digital systems. Human-Centered AI approaches seek to synthesize machine intelligences with human-centered thinking to conceptualise and design intelligent systems that seek to empower people and society. This module will introduce you to Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (HCAI), where we will explore human-centered design principles and methods to envision AI systems. This module will not provide technical exploration on machine learning, statistical analysis or data modelling – instead it focuses on human-factors in the design of AI systems, and the interactions between Humans and AI (e.g., Human-AI collaboration, human-in-the-loop decision-making, interacting with chatbots and robots).
In this module you will specifically explore how to design, develop, critique interactive AI technologies from a human-centred perspective. Indicative topics that we will cover include (but are not limited to):
• User-centred design (UCD) lifecycle
• Human-AI Interaction (including ethics, trust, interpretability, transparency, and fairness)
• Understanding users, context, and social interactions,
• Prototyping techniques for interface design: low and high fidelity
Research-rich learning is heavily embedded in this module, by engaging with the latest HCAI, HCI and AI research; and conducting your own UCD research. You will be taught by academics who have published extensively in the field of HCI and Intelligent Systems. The module is designed to give you a knowledge and understanding of how to design and critically assess the human impact of AI system; while providing practical skills to enable you to design new Human-Centered AI systems.
How will I learn on this module?
Students will learn through lectures, workshops, and independent learning. Lectures will cover key principles, theories and topics in HCAI, and in practical classes (workshops) students will practice hands-on skills for user-centred design, prototyping and evaluation of AI systems. Building on lectures and workshops, though independent learning, students will complete an annotated portfolio demonstrating a range of user-centred design skills and desk-based research.
To expand your capacity and confidence as an effective learner, you will be encouraged to develop independent learning skills. This will be supported by tutor-guided activities, including prompted reading, activities to undertake and questions to address. Independent study requirements also entail reading beyond the learning materials/reading list provided, reflecting on its potential relevance for your own development.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
You will be supported by lecturers during the timetabled sessions when you will receive feedback on your work. You will also be able to communicate with the teaching team via email. The University’s eLearning Portal offers remote access to all lecture and seminar materials to reinforce your learning. In addition, the University Library offers support for all students through the provision of digital reading lists.
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
ML01 – Demonstrate understanding of human-centred design principles, approaches, and techniques
ML02 – Demonstrate knowledge and critical understanding of ethical, social and legal implications of AI systems on humans and society.
ML03 – Recognise and understand the importance of the human factors in the design of interactive AI systems.
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
ML04 - Design, develop and critically assess Human-Centered AI technologies.
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
ML05 – Demonstrate critical engagement with contemporary Human-AI Interaction research (e.g., recent research papers on HCI, AI and Big Data)
How will I be assessed?
There will be two summative assessments in
this module.
The first summative assessment will be a group presentation and demonstration of a HCAI Prototype (10min) where you will use the knowledge and practical skills you have developed through the module and your field of specialization to work in small groups to design and prototype an interactive Human-Centered AI system. It is worth 30% of your mark for this module. [MLO1, 2, 4]
The second, summative assessment will be a research-based Reflective Report (2000 words) where you will use the knowledge and skills you have learned throughout the module and conduct desk research on a contemporary HCAI topic. It is worth 70% of your mark for this module. [MLO2, 3, 5]
You will receive critical constructive feedback on your assessments.
During workshops there will be formative workshop exercises and class discussions for which you will also receive formative feedback.
Pre-requisite(s)
NA
Co-requisite(s)
NA
Module abstract
Intelligent Systems and AI-driven technologies are radically transforming our society and there is a need for this technology shift to embrace more human-centered perspectives to ensure that we shape those future technologies to better serve human values and needs. Human-Centered AI approaches seek to synthesize machine intelligences with human-centered thinking to conceptualise and design intelligent systems that empower people and society. This module will introduce you to Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (HCAI), where we will explore human-centered design principles and methods to envision the next generation of AI systems.
This module focuses on human-factors in the design of AI systems, and the interactions between Humans and AI.
In this module you will specifically explore how to design, develop, critique interactive AI technologies from a human-centred perspective. Indicative topics include: User-centred design (UCD); Human-AI Interaction; AI biases and fairness, transparency and interpretability; design guidelines and methods for prototyping Human-AI systems.
Course info
UCAS Code G415
Credits 20
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 3 years full-time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad
Department Computer and Information Sciences
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2024 or September 2025
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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