Seven-step problem-based learning in an interaction design course

The objective in this paper is the implementation of the highly structured seven-step problem-based learning (PBL) procedure as part of the learning process in a human-computer interaction (HCI) design course at the Technical University of Denmark, taking into account the common learning processes in PBL and the interaction design process. These two processes share many characteristics, the most prominent of which are how to explore, analyse and define the problem space, the importance of teamwork and team development and, finally, creativity to design and find a solution. We have experimented with additional short mandatory individual reports after each case in the PBL process in order to explore the students' inter-personal and intra-personal team skills development in the learning process. Different qualitative and quantitative evaluation methods have been used to obtain a thorough evaluation of PBL used as a learning method among others in a single course. The evaluation results showed that the students definitely took a deep approach to learning, and indicated clearly that the students had obtained competencies not only within the traditional HCI curriculum, but also in terms of teamwork skills.