HCI Foundations & Frontiers

CS 347, Fall 2026

How will the future of human-computer interaction (HCI) evolve? Futuristic visions of HCI as conceptualized in popular media often depict a world filled with helpful AI collaborators, holographic displays, and voice- or gesture-based interactions. Whether these visions are filled with techno-optimism or dystopic-pessimism, they have been around for over 50 years. Is this where interaction with computing is headed? If not, where?

This course equips students with the major animating theories of human-computer interaction, and connects those theories to modern innovations. We will examine foundational work in design, social computing, ubiquitous computing, cognition, and human-centered AI. We will consider how these foundations have in turn led to research advances in virtual/augmented reality, automated design tools, accessibility and collaborative support. Unlike other courses in HCI, this course will primarily be focused on conceptual understanding rather than implementation and design practice.

Learning goals. By the end of the course, students will have:

An understanding of key HCI theories and methods, crossing domains such as ubicomp, social computing, design, human cognition, and human-centered AI.
Experience critically discussing the core interaction design hypotheses described in HCI research texts.

When and where. Mondays and Wednesdays, 2:30–4:20 PM, in 420-040.

Readings and commentaries. We read about two papers per class. You will submit a short commentary on each reading by noon on the day of class on the commentaries page, which also explains how to write a good one. The syllabus links to the commentary for every reading.

Recommended background. CS 147 or prior exposure to human-centered design. There is no formal prerequisite, and students from every department are welcome. We expect attendance and active participation in lecture and tutorial. See logistics for grading and policies.

Teaching Staff

Instructor: Michael Bernstein
Office Hours: Wednesdays 4:15pm-5:30pm, CoDa E350.
Course Assistant: Beleicia Bullock
Course Assistant: Jordan Troutman

Questions?
Email us: cs347@cs.stanford.edu