CS 6724: Natural User Interfaces
Fall 2014
Doug Bowman

The term “natural user interfaces" (NUIs) has been used recently to refer to
invisible interfaces based primarily on gesture. Technology for NUIs includes
both 2D multi-touch input and 3D device-less tracking systems such as Kinect
or Leap. However, far from being fully “natural,” NUIs have significant issues
and require careful design to ensure a good user experience.

This seminar course will focus on the design of novel natural user
interfaces. Using commodity NUI technologies, students will be challenged 
to imagine innovative ways to employ NUIs for real-world applications. The 
emphasis will be on design process and products, rather than on formal 
experimental evaluation, so class meetings will often take the form of 
brainstorming or design studio sessions. The class will develop a large 
number of rapid prototypes and 1-3 more fully formed NUIs. The course 
is expected to result not only in peer-reviewed publications, but also innovative 
demonstrations that can be disseminated broadly online.

To request this class, please contact Dr. Doug Bowman (bowman@vt.edu).