Taking your students for a walk: art interventions and critical techniques in HCI design pedagogy

Abstract

Many educators and practitioners within HCI have their secret ‘diamond’ teaching process, game, or strategy in their metaphorical ‘back pockets’ to be deployed strategically with a cohort of students or collaborators as necessary. Often these strategies or techniques are aimed at revealing complex conceptual or critical issues that underpin HCI thinking. This engaging pedagogic practice of using oblique approaches engages student with concepts, ideas, and principles in HCI and creative practice that often exist ’beneath the surface’. Exposing them to ideas and insights that form the central critical energy within interaction design and human computer interaction. Although common in arts related fields we believe there is a gap in the literature and in discourse of the range and use of these oblique learning exercises within HCI education. This workshop is intended as a space to share and explore practical ideas and examples within critical design pedagogy. We will publish a compendium from the workshop to contribute more broadly to the HCI community