51-304 Playful Interaction

9 units, Carnegie Mellon University

Contemporary lifestyle is increasingly dominated by individualized digital interactions. However, as inherently social beings, humans thrive on shared experiences, relationships, and collective engagement. This course addresses the need to design experiences that bridge digital and physical realms to foster social connection and co-creation. It encourages students to rethink how technology can integrate beyond individual experience to enhance community-building and sensory engagement. Students will explore various approaches to "playful learning" as a way to stimulate users' creativity, exploration, and discovery. Throughout the semester, students will develop artifacts and user experiences that prioritize tangible interactions, utilizing novel or soft materials and advanced technologies such as sensors, IoT, and 3D printing. The course emphasizes hands-on learning through in-depth research, workshops, and iterative digital and physical prototyping.

Prerequisites: none listed

Offered: Fall 2025

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