The Brain and Technology: Brain Science in Interface Design
How This Course Will Help Your Career
What You’ll Learn
- Human attention—in particular, how the brain decides what is most important and therefore what we should look at first
- How to create effective designs, through basing them on how the brain manages and prioritizes the sensory information it receives
- The link between intuition and the evolution of our brains, as well as how to apply this knowledge so as to build software that engages with human intuition
- How to compose screens that work visually, by tapping into the brain science behind visual recognition
- Human recollection, and its implications on designing documents and software that support memory
- How to create products that cater to the brain’s feedback loop, as well as screen controls that tap into our sense of purpose
- How to build technology that makes learning easier, thus becoming more successful
- An understanding of how human and social factors affect technology—including future social and technical evolutions
How do you know if your next computer system, app or website will be a success? Well, if you look at all major technological advances in the last few decades, you’ll see that it heavily depends on whether it works well with people. Developments such as email, smartphones, and social networks have all involved some form of human-to-computer interaction and interface. The critical success factor for modern technology has therefore become not what it does but how it interacts with people. For example, can you even imagine life without your smartphone these days? Technology has interwoven itself not only into the human psyche but also quite literally—handheld devices can now be seen attached to peoples’ palms in virtually any setting.
When people use technology, a biological information processor (i.e., the brain) interacts with a mechanical information processor (i.e., the computer)—and this interaction will fail if there is no common ground. If you, as a designer, miss the mark between these two worlds of natural and artificial intelligence, they will collide jarringly. This course will therefore merge brain science and computer science in order to teach you the field of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI). You will learn optimal approaches to designing better software, mobile applications, and websites, including online communities, by learning how to create software that interacts with human intuitions. Such knowledge of HCI is now a critical skill—building new hardware and software goods will result in negative returns on investment (ROI) if users can’t or don’t want to use them. Designers must know the basics of brain science in order to practice computer science, not only for people but for communities, too.
The course is created and presented by Brian Whitworth, a registered psychologist who is also trained in computing and has a wealth of experience and qualifications in both fields: BA (Psych), BSc (Maths), MA (Psych), PhD (IS), and Major (Retd.). Each lesson highlights a particular brain-technology difference and uses it to explain what works—and what doesn’t—when people use technology. Every lesson is further divided into ten-minute video blocks, that you can watch independently, so as to fit your learning experience into a busy schedule.
Gain an Industry-Recognized UX Course Certificate
Use your industry-recognized Course Certificate on your resume, CV, LinkedIn profile or your website.
Our courses and Course Certificates are trusted by these industry leaders:
Is This Course Right for You?
This is an advanced-level course on brain and computer sciences. It is targeted at anyone interested in the synergy of people and technology:
- UX, UI, and web designers looking to learn relevant skills and knowledge so as to build digital systems for people
- Software engineers keen on writing programs that work for people, not the other way around
- Project managers interested in successfully creating an online platform that fosters interactions between people
- Newcomers to design who are considering making a switch to UX design
- Anyone interested in human-technical interfaces, from reporters and philosophers to the general public
Courses in the Interaction Design Foundation are designed to contain comprehensive, evidence-based content, while ensuring that the learning curve is never too steep. All participants will have the opportunity to share ideas, seek help with tests, and enjoy the social aspects afforded by our open and friendly forum.
Learn and Work with a Global Team of Designers
You’ll join a global community and work together to improve your skills and career opportunities. Connect with helpful peers and make friends with like-minded individuals as you push deeper into the exciting and booming industry of design.
Lessons in This Course
- Each week, one lesson becomes available.
- There’s no time limit to finish a course. Lessons have no deadlines.
- Estimated learning time: 63 hours 56 mins spread over 8 weeks .
Lesson 0: Welcome and Introduction
To be scheduled. Estimated time to complete: 4 hours 52 mins.
-
0.1: FAQ (43 mins)
-
0.2: Introduction (2 hours 40 mins)
-
0.3: An introduction to courses from the Interaction Design Foundation (37 mins)
-
0.4: Let our community help you (1 min)
-
0.5: How to Earn Your Course Certificate (16 mins)
-
0.6: Meet your peers online in our discussion forums (5 mins)
-
0.7: Meet and learn from design professionals at an upcoming meet-up (1 min)
-
0.8: Gain Timeless Knowledge Through Courses From the Interaction Design Foundation (21 mins)
-
0.9: Mandatory vs. Optional Lesson Items (7 mins)
-
0.10: A Mix Between Video-Based and Text-Based Lesson Content (6 mins)
Lesson 1: Attention
To be scheduled. Estimated time to complete: 6 hours 16 mins.
-
1.1: Reality Levels (42 mins)
-
1.2: Control (46 mins)
-
1.3: The Illusion (55 mins)
-
1.4: Information Overload (1 hour 20 mins)
-
1.5: Simplicity (31 mins)
-
1.6: Engage The Brain (44 mins)
-
1.7: Attention Flows (54 mins)
-
1.8: Designer Notes Attention (22 mins)
-
1.9: Discussion Exercise (6 mins)
Lesson 2: Context
To be scheduled. Estimated time to complete: 5 hours 52 mins.
-
2.1: The Parallel Advantage (41 mins)
-
2.2: The Senses (1 hour 7 mins)
-
2.3: Encoding (1 hour 4 mins)
-
2.4: Borders (59 mins)
-
2.5: Context (36 mins)
-
2.6: Environments (1 hour 7 mins)
-
2.7: Designer Notes Context (17 mins)
-
2.8: Discussion Exercise (6 mins)
Lesson 3: Intuition
To be scheduled. Estimated time to complete: 9 hours 15 mins.
-
3.1: Reliability (55 mins)
-
3.2: The Brain Onion (1 hour 25 mins)
-
3.3: System Performance (1 hour 59 mins)
-
3.4: A Society Of Mind (59 mins)
-
3.5: Distraction (1 hour 2 mins)
-
3.6: Stress (1 hour 13 mins)
-
3.7: Good Intuitions (1 hour 8 mins)
-
3.8: Designer Notes Intuition (33 mins)
-
3.9: Discussion Exercise (6 mins)
Lesson 4: Recognition
To be scheduled. Estimated time to complete: 6 hours 4 mins.
-
4.1: Recognition Is Cortical (25 mins)
-
4.2: The Visual Hierarchy (26 mins)
-
4.3: Border Ambiguity (41 mins)
-
4.4: Framing Ambiguity (57 mins)
-
4.5: Composition Ambiguity (58 mins)
-
4.6: Feature Ambiguity (53 mins)
-
4.7: Classification (42 mins)
-
4.8: Faces (17 mins)
-
4.9: Art (44 mins)
-
4.10: Discussion Exercise (6 mins)
Lesson 5: Thought
To be scheduled. Estimated time to complete: 7 hours 27 mins.
-
5.1: Access by Location (1 hour 11 mins)
-
5.2: Language (1 hour 44 mins)
-
5.3: Sensory Integration (48 mins)
-
5.4: Thought (54 mins)
-
5.5: Documents (1 hour 0 mins)
-
5.6: Remembering (1 hour 23 mins)
-
5.7: Designer Notes Thought (26 mins)
-
5.8: Discussion Exercise (6 mins)
Lesson 6: Feedback
To be scheduled. Estimated time to complete: 9 hours 53 mins.
-
6.1: Feedback Loops (44 mins)
-
6.2: Driving The Feedback Loop (28 mins)
-
6.3: Purpose (1 hour 47 mins)
-
6.4: Feedback Elements (1 hour 34 mins)
-
6.5: Locus Of Control (1 hour 13 mins)
-
6.6: The Feedback Problem (1 hour 31 mins)
-
6.7: Navigation (51 mins)
-
6.8: Screen Controls (1 hour 14 mins)
-
6.9: Designer Notes Feedback (30 mins)
-
6.10: Discussion Exercise (6 mins)
Lesson 7: Learning
To be scheduled. Estimated time to complete: 9 hours 55 mins.
-
7.1: Learning (50 mins)
-
7.2: Feedback Centers (1 hour 37 mins)
-
7.3: Intellectual Learning (42 mins)
-
7.4: Emotional Learning (1 hour 22 mins)
-
7.5: The Emotional Center (54 mins)
-
7.6: Skills (1 hour 23 mins)
-
7.7: Social Learning (52 mins)
-
7.8: Support Learning (1 hour 20 mins)
-
7.9: Self Change (54 mins)
-
7.10: Discussion Exercise (6 mins)
Lesson 8: The Future Is Us
To be scheduled. Estimated time to complete: 4 hours 23 mins.
-
8.1: The Future Is Us 1 (36 mins)
-
8.2: The Future Is Us 2 (1 hour 9 mins)
-
8.3: The Future Is Us 3 (1 hour 47 mins)
-
8.4: The Future Is Us 4 (48 mins)
-
8.5: Discussion Exercise (6 mins)
Lesson 9: Course Certificate, Final Networking, and Course Wrap-up
To be scheduled.
-
9.1: Get Your Course Certificate (1 min)
-
9.2: Course Evaluation (1 min)
-
9.3: Continue Your Professional Growth (1 min)
Learning Paths
This course is part of 3 learning paths:
How Others Have Benefited
savvina simillidou, Cyprus
“The strength of the course is that the instructor was speaking very clearly (this is important for a person like me where English is not my native language), also it was never boring. It is more interesting to listen someone that reading something.”
Tony Russell, United Kingdom
“Instructor Brian Whitworth was really good. Course content was great and up to date.”
Phillip Dodson, United States
“I wanted to thank you! IDF is just the best thing ever. Just ever! Making this information accessible and available at the high level of quality. Just awesome!”
How It Works
-
Control your learning.
Lessons are self-paced so you’ll never be late for class or miss a deadline. Learning and life, hand in hand.
-
Earn Course Certificates.
Your answers are graded by experts, not machines. Get an industry-recognized Course Certificate to show you’ve put in the work.
-
Advance your career.
Grow your professional knowledge by watching Master Classes, networking within our UX community, and more.
Start Advancing Your Career Now
Join us to take “The Brain and Technology: Brain Science in Interface Design”. Take other courses at no additional cost. Make a concrete step forward in your career path today.
Advance my career nowFrequently Asked Questions
When I finish a course, do I have to pay extra to get my certificate?
Can I take more than one course at a time?
With a Student membership, you can take a maximum of two courses at the same time. You can still take as many courses as you would like – free of extra charges – just as long as you finish or drop them so that you don’t have more than two ongoing courses.
I missed the enrollment, and now the course is closed. What can I do?
Don't worry if you missed the course. We will re-run it shortly. One of the reasons we continually open and close courses is in order to control the classroom size.
Networking is a large part of our value proposition, so we want just the right number of people inside the courses. That is also why we display the "XX % percent booked" on our course icons.
Do I have to be online at an exact time to study?
No. You can set your own study schedule. There are no "live sessions" since we have members from all timezones around the world. We are a truly global community.
Thus, once you are enrolled, you can take all the time to complete a given course. Every "classroom" in each course will never close, so you’ll have permanent access to your classmates and your course material (as well as your own answers).
Will I receive a Course Certificate?
Yes. You will get a digital industry-recognized course certificate every time you complete a course. Certificates never expire and can be saved as a .jpg file, so it's easy to be shared. Also, there is no limit to how many certificates you can earn during your membership.
You can see an example of a Course Certificate at the bottom of the Course Catalogue.
I have answered questions in a lesson; when will they be marked/graded?
I have updated my name, but my course certificate is not updated — how can I change it?
Don't worry; once you change your name, your certificate will be updated automatically in the next 48 hours.
I have started my course later than the specified date, are my answers still going to be marked?
Sure! We will be marking all your answers for as long as you are an active member.
How are courses graded?
For how long will I have access to the course materials?
You will have access to the course materials for the entire duration of your membership. So, if you pay for a one-year membership, you will have access for one year. Renewing your membership for a second year means you will have access to one more year, and so on.
New lessons are starting before I have completed the previous lesson(s). Am I going to be locked out of these unfinished lessons?
No, you will not be locked out of any lesson or course. You will have access to all course materials throughout your membership, so there is no pressure to keep at the same pace as the specified lesson release dates.
All we recommend is that you try to stick to the same schedule as other participants. The reason is they may have moved on to other lessons, thereby meaning you could miss out on the social aspects of the course(s).
Do I have a specific date to award my certificates?
No, you can generate your certificate as soon as you score at least 70% of the total course points.
When will I receive my Course Certificate?
Course certificates will be given to participants when they have scored more than 70% or more of the total course points. For example, if a course contains ten lessons each with ten questions, you will receive a course certificate when the instructor has awarded you at least 70 points (70% of the total course points).
There is no specified time that certificates will be awarded — instead, they are given to participants as and when they have answered all questions, even if this is long after the official end date.
How do I add my Certificate to my LinkedIn profile?
Below is a step-by-step guide on how to add your Interaction Design Foundation course(s) to your LinkedIn profile:
Log in to your LinkedIn account, then go to your profile.
Below your profile description, click on the button Add profile section, choose Recommended and then select Add license or certification.
![]()
3. In the following fields add:
Name – Course name
Issuing organization – The Interaction Design Foundation
Check the field “This credential does not expire”
Issue date - Input the date written on your certificate (e.g., May 2021)
Credential ID – Your membership ID number – it's written on your certificate. (For non-members, you can leave this field blank or, if you prefer, insert the certificate ID, which can be extracted from the certificate link. This ID will begin with "mcc_" and be followed by a string of numbers and letters.")
Credential URL: Input the certificate URL provided on your course page
4. Click the Save button.
Congratulate yourself! Earning the certificate is a great accomplishment and now you can share it with the world!
How do I add the Interaction Design Foundation Membership Certificate to my LinkedIn Profile?
Below is a step-by-step guide on how to add your Interaction Design Foundation course(s) to your LinkedIn profile:
Log in to your LinkedIn account, then go to your profile.
Below your profile description, click on the button Add profile section, choose Recommended and then select Add license or certification.
![]()
3. In the following fields add:
Name – Membership Certificate
Issuing organization – The Interaction Design Foundation
Check the field “This credential does not expire”
Issue date - Input the date when you joined our community (e.g., May 2019)
Credential ID – Your membership ID number (it's written on your certificate)
Credential URL: Input the certificate URL provided on your profile page
4. Click the Save button.
It is as simple as that. Now, anyone who visits your profile can see your certificate!
How much will I have to pay for the courses?
After you pay for your membership, you can take as many courses as you want with no additional costs. There are no further charges on top of the membership fee.
Do you provide mostly beginners' or more advanced courses?
How long does it take to complete a course?
You will need approximately 5-8 hours to complete one lesson. Each course has between 3 and 16 lessons.
Once enrolled in a course, you will gain access to a new lesson each week, which you are free to complete without any deadlines and no end date, either.
I scored less than 70% in a course, so I didn't qualify for a certificate. Can I try again?
Yes! Everyone's learning journey looks different, and we'd never stop our members from trying again. To retake a course, just follow these steps:
1. Go to your profile and click on the relevant course you'd like to retake.
2. Underneath your progress bar, you'll see a phrase "UX Courses" with an arrow (>) pointing to a clickable landing page of that course. Click on that link.
3. Once on the landing page, scroll all the way down to the bottom of the page. You'll see a red button, which you can simply click to drop the course.
4. Head back to our main list of UX Courses, and re-enroll yourself in the course. You'll all set to try again!
Please note that when you drop a course, you will lose any answers and progress you submitted. We advise that you screenshot or save any answers you'd like to reuse.
In some cases, we can open up lessons for members who are retaking a course, so that they don't have to wait for familiar lessons to unlock each week. If you'd like us to do this for you, please get in touch with our support team at hello@interaction-design.org, and we can help you out.
How do I drop a course?
To drop a course, the following should be done:
1. Visit your profile page and click the 'continue lesson...' button for the course you want to drop.
2. Click the course name link breadcrumb near the top of the page that opens (this only appears in unlocked lessons, not upcoming lessons)
3. Click the red 'drop my course now' button at the bottom of the page that opens
