For new ideas and technologies to be adopted, they have to be useful and usable for real people in real situations. This specialist pathway in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) teaches you to go beyond simply building new software and hardware, to evaluating how they would be used, and how they can be improved. The HCI specialist modules are taught by the Future Interaction Technology (FIT) Lab, within the Computer Science Department and the College of Science. The FIT Lab’s mission is to explore and apply Advanced Computer Science to make interaction technologies dependable, enjoyable and effective. Interaction technologies include mobile devices, the Web, Web 2.0, implants, home TVs, microwave cookers, ticket machines, navigational aids etc. Further, we aim to work on grand challenges, like improving safety in healthcare, or developing technology to reach the millions and help us live more effective sustainable lives.

Some example job titles from the HESA survey 2011: Software Engineer: Motorola Solutions Change Coordinator: Logica Software Developer/Engineer: NS Technology Workflow Developer: Irwin Mitchell IT Developer: Crimsan Consultants Consultant: Crimsan Consultants Programmer: Evil Twin Artworks Web Developer & Web Support: VSI Thinking Software Developer: Wireless Innovations Associate Business Application Analyst: CDC Software Software Developer: OpenBet Technologies Technical Support Consultant: Alterian Programming: Rock It Software Developer: BMJ Group.