What is this course about?

This course will also be about the interaction of computational capabilities and physical, everyday objects.

This course will also be about the interaction of ideas- ideas about usability, functionality, ergonomics, problem solving, style, and aesthetics.

This course will try to create an environment within which teams will explore the ramifications of adding computation intelligence to everyday objects while striving to understand what value such a process might hold for such "empowered" objects. What value does adding computational power to a pen create? What value can be created by adding such power to a block of paper, or to eyeglasses, or shirts, or chairs? Or what might happen if a computer mouse becomes intelligent? On another note, what might happen if a room, or other space inhabited by people, becomes computationally "empowered"?

By value, we mean ways to enhance the functionality, usability, and "enjoyabilty" of an object, and in the process, enhancing the capabilities of those who use such objects. By capabilities we mean a mix of cognitive and physical performance parameters.

All this we do under the philosophy that believes that the design process should be one where Problems lead to Products, and not the creation of Products that go looking for Problems to solve.

During the course students will learn about recent developments in embedded computing, including micro-controller programming and uses of digital and analog I/O to learn about the world as well as to act upon the world. They will also learn how to create rapid application prototypes on the Palm mobile platform. This knowledge will be utilized in a process of defining, designing, and developing an empowered object or space.

This course is actually two different courses given in parallel-- one in computer science and engineering (Givat Ram campus) and one at the Bezalel Academy of Art (Mount Scopus campus).

Participants in each course will have access to the insights and some of the tools of the other. We will develop in the labs some hardware and software building blocks for products with embedded intelligence, and discuss the evolution of technologies and approaches to design of effective products in lectures. Small student teams will develop future product ideas to the point of testing their validity with prototypes and making a final presentation of their potential. If students are interested, they may form cross disciplinary teams with students from the other campus. Note: Students do not have to participate in the other course, but will be welcome to join if they like.

Wedensdays, 14:00 - 17:00 Room Sprinzak 213 in Givat Ram

(The course at Bezalel will be given on Tuesdays, 14:30 - 17:30 Room TBD, in Bezalel Sweig - All CS/CSE students are invited to visit)

See Lecture Schedule

Prof. Scott Kirkpatrick
Office Hours: Sunday, 13:00 - 15:00, Ross 81

Amnon Dekel
Office Hours: Wednesday 17:00 - 18:00 (Ross 82) or By appointment and via email

There is a newsgroup for the course, local.course.postPC, intended for free discussion among the students.

The course mailbox, postPC@cs.huji.ac.il, is open to your questions, remarks, requests, wishes, and complaints. You may also use email to postPC for submitting assignments.

Please do not send course-related e-mail to my personal mailbox.