User Centered Computing

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Think as the ICT user.

Degree programme specification

The aim of the "User-centered Computing" program is to understand the user aspects of technology use and to gain knowledge about the methodology of conducting research about ICT use, which uniquely connects the fields of informatics and social sciences. The aim is to teach students about the implementation of qualitative, quantitative, and UX (i.e., User Experience) research for ICT users and comprehend their uses in various practical areas of informatics. Students will also gain an overview of various areas of UX and they will be able to apply their methodological knowledge in these areas. Within the specialization "Human-Computer Interaction", students will gain a basic overview of the areas of user security, UX in visual informatics, assistive technologies, and the computer processing of natural language. Within the specialization "Usable security", students will go in depth into the field of security, and gain knowledge in cryptography and security ICT technologies. Within the specialization "UX in Visual Informatics", students will gain knowledge in the field of digital-image processing, visualization, and the basics of computer graphics and human-computer interaction. In all areas, they will gain expertise in the field of UX, such as work with ICT users. User-centered Computing will primarily be the continuation of the bachelor's study of informatics at FI MU.

Studies

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Objectives
The aim of the "User-centered Computing" program is to understand the user aspects of technology use and to gain knowledge about the methodology of conducting research about ICT use, which uniquely connects the fields of informatics and social sciences. The aim is to teach students about the implementation of qualitative, quantitative, and UX (i.e., User Experience) research for ICT users and comprehend their uses in various practical areas of informatics. Students will also gain an overview of various areas of UX and they will be able to apply their methodological knowledge in these areas. Within the specialization "Human-Computer Interaction", students will gain a basic overview of the areas of user security, UX in visual informatics, assistive technologies, and the computer processing of natural language. Within the specialization "Usable security", students will go in depth into the field of security, and gain knowledge in cryptography and security ICT technologies. Within the specialization "UX in Visual Informatics", students will gain knowledge in the field of digital-image processing, visualization, and the basics of computer graphics and human-computer interaction. In all areas, they will gain expertise in the field of UX, such as work with ICT users. User-centered Computing will primarily be the continuation of the bachelor's study of informatics at FI MU.
Learning Outcomes
After successfully completing his/her studies the graduate is able to:
- Address the user aspects of the use of technology and be able to consider the motivations of ICT users in various areas of informatics;
- Understand the basics of research methodology, which combines the knowledge of computer science and social sciences; understand the research process and its methods; and be able to decide when to use specific methods;
- Carry out qualitative and quantitative research with ICT users (i.e., interviews and their processing, questionnaire surveys, user studies);
- Understand statistics and be able to use them in practice for research within the ICT field;
- Apply acquired soft skills; communicate effectively with all types of users within the ICT field; and know how to ask both experts and lay people questions to lead to the successful implementation of the ICT related goals;
- Understand the various areas of UX that appear in the field of computer science;
- Describe key concepts in the field of complex systems (especially the concept of "feedback"); explain for what computational models can be used; and compare different modeling approaches, including their advantages and disadvantages.
Occupational Profiles of Graduates
Graduates with a Master's degree in User-centered Computing will be experts who understand the user aspects of digital technologies, which will enable them to apply for jobs with a wide range of companies and positions in public administration. Typical employers will be companies in the field of ICT, which are looking for experts in the areas of HCI (Human Computer Interaction), UX (User Experience), and usable security, and who want to develop and design of software that is focused on users. Positions of this type are commonly in demand at contemporary ICT companies and they expect specific education, similar to companies located abroad. Applicants can also find applications in larger companies outside the ICT sector, which operate large computer networks or services with many general users, such as banking institutions, insurance companies, commercial networks, and telecommunications operators. Applicants can also apply their knowledge in public administration, especially as part of the implementation of e-government systems.
Practical Training
The forthcoming Master's program User-centered computing will not include compulsory practical experience within companies. However, students will implement a practical research project, which can be carried out in companies that cooperate with FI MU.
Goals of Theses
This diploma thesis is expected to primarily demonstrate the student's ability to process a large project, such as conducting research among users of a given computer system or web application. It is expected that the student will use the appropriate research methods of the system users and process the obtained data through the appropriate statistical methods. They must be able to place their work in the context of current knowledge in computer science and present it in a suitable form to both the professional and non-professional community. The work can be written in Czech, Slovak, or English. The prescribed structure of the thesis includes the following sections: Copies of the statement of the author of the school work, a Declaration of authorship, Contents, original Text to support the thesis, and referenced Literature. The minimum expected scope of the work is 40 standard pages, original text (including illustrations).
Access to Further Studies
After completing the follow-up Master's degree program in User-centered Computing, students can continue with doctoral studies focused on informatics at FI MU.