Department 5

The HCI Design Lab is a design studio and makerspace at the Chair of Human-Computer Interaction at Anhalt University of Applied Sciences. Tools for prototyping hybrid materials, "things" for the Internet of Things and smart objects are available here. These include a 3D printer, laser cutter, vacuum forming machine, sewing machine, soldering station, multifunctional tool, basic workshop equipment and a comprehensive range of Arduino components. Students and instructors can develop, produce and evaluate digital and analog prototypes and demonstrators in the HCI Design Lab.

The HCI Design Lab offers a friendly and creative atmosphere. We are committed to an experimental, open and collaborative culture. The modules Design Interactive Media and Interaction & Experience Design take place here.

Please contact Prof. Dr. Arne Berger if you have any questions about the lab or would like to work there.

Workshop equipment (not complete)

• 3D printer (Prusa)
• Laser cutter (Emblaser)
• Sewing machine (W6 Wertarbeit)
• Vacuum forming machine (Mayku Formbox)
• Consumables (3D printing filament, paper, cardboard, wood, metal, plastic, glue, paint, copper wire, conductive pins, batteries, chargers)
• Soldering station and accessories
• Basic workshop equipment (hammer, file, pliers, multifunctional tools, hot glue gun)
• Hardware components (Arduino, Raspberry Pi, ESP8266, sensors, actuators)
• Photo studio for documentaries (Sony A7III, lenses, flash system)
• CNC milling machine (planned)

What is human-computer interaction?

Human-computer interaction is an interface discipline. It explores the design and use of computer technology at the interface between humans and computers. It is also the interdisciplinary interface of computer science, psychology, cognitive science, ergonomics, sociology and design.

In the laboratory, websites, software and other digital products can be tested with potential users for their suitability for use. The laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art technology. In addition to a computer, two ceiling microphones and four cameras are available in the test room. The latter are freely movable and can cover the entire room. Both the screen content and all interactions between the test subjects can be recorded. Other equipment includes an eye tracker, which can be used to record the eye movements of the test participants. The test subjects' reactions, the number of interactions made and the time required to solve the problem can be used to determine the weak points of the products and how these can be rectified.

With this facility, the Department is combining science and practice in an innovative way, as the laboratory is not only intended for research purposes. Companies from the region can also commission studies here.

The Greenbox is the first choice for audio and video productions. In addition to color-based image release, the lab also enables the use of extensive film, sound and television technology, including the corresponding lighting.

The room can be used as a virtual studio and for project work such as in the media production module. Project results can be found on our YouTube channel, among other places.

Machine learning (ML) and innovative, modern data analysis are becoming increasingly important in business processes. The ego. incubator MaLea Lab offers support for founders (students and employees of universities in Saxony-Anhalt) both in the integration of machine learning into the start-up idea and in the implementation of data-driven business ideas.

In addition to services such as consulting and workshops, MaLea Lab also provides modern ML workstations and ML servers. This provides interested parties with an experimental field to develop, test and implement their own ideas, either independently or with the support of MaLea Lab experts.

In order to meet the requirements of analyzing large amounts of data and comprehensive calculations, the technology used is based on the usual, high-priced configurations in this area with the latest high-performance CPUs, extensive memory and data storage as well as high-performance graphics cards. The latter enable high computing speeds due to extreme parallelization of similar, repetitive processes.

The Applied Computer Science e.V. was founded by professors and employees of the Department of Computer Science and Languages and is an affiliated institute of Anhalt University of Applied Sciences. The team of the Institute for Applied Computer Science mainly consists of professors from the Department of Computer Science and Languages at Anhalt University of Applied Sciences.

This provides a broad field of expertise. The Institute is headed by Prof. Dr. Volkmar Richter as Director, Prof. Korinna Bade as Deputy Director and Karsten Zischner as Treasurer.

Contact details of the Board of Directors

• Prof. Dr. Volkmar Richter
• Prof. Korinna Bade