Special Topics in Information Science: Human-Centered Robotics Prototyping

Human-Centered Robotics Prototyping is a studio-based introduction to robotic and interactive physical systems for students in user experience design, HCI, and emerging technology. Students learn how robotic systems sense, move, respond, and fail in real human contexts. The course pairs foundational technical concepts, including sensors, actuators, microcontrollers, simple mechanisms, feedback loops, and 3D fabricated components, with human factors concerns such as usability, accessibility, ergonomics, safety, trust, and context of use. Through short build exercises, critique, testing, and a final project, students move from rough experiments to working prototypes that demonstrate a human-centered robotic interaction. The course emphasizes iteration, design judgment, and technical tradeoffs rather than advanced engineering theory, making robotics approachable for students who want to prototype embodied technology.