What is interactive computer graphics?

Interactive computer graphics involves using computers to create and manipulate visual content in real-time, allowing users to directly influence the graphic output. This field combines computer science, design, and algorithms to build responsive visual systems.

What software or tools will I learn to use?

This course focuses on the underlying design principles and algorithms for interactive graphic tools rather than specific commercial software. You will gain skills to implement various interactive systems, including graphical user interfaces, 2D drawing tools, 3D animation software, and computer-aided design applications.

What career paths benefit from interactive graphics skills?

Skills in interactive computer graphics are valuable for roles in software development, UI/UX design, game design, animation, graphic design, and research. You can apply these skills to create engaging user experiences, develop new graphic tools, or contribute to robotics and human-computer interaction research.

Is prior programming experience required for this course?

Yes, basic programming knowledge is recommended to succeed in this course. Familiarity with fundamental computer science concepts and algorithms will help you understand and implement the interactive graphic techniques discussed.

When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?

To access the course materials, assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid. The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.

What will I get if I purchase the Certificate?

When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.

Is financial aid available?

Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.

Interactive Computer Graphics

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Interactive Computer Graphics

Instructor: Takeo Igarashi

110,439 already enrolled

Included with

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7 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

317 reviews

Intermediate level

Some related experience required

Flexible schedule

3 weeks at 10 hours a week

Learn at your own pace

94%

Most learners liked this course

7 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

317 reviews

Intermediate level

Some related experience required

Flexible schedule

3 weeks at 10 hours a week

Learn at your own pace

94%

Most learners liked this course

What you'll learn

Apply graphic algorithms to solve visual problems.
Implement interactive software and systems.
Analyze computer graphics research techniques.
Design user interfaces for 2D drawings and 3D animations.

Skills you'll gain

Tools you'll learn

Graphical Tools

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Assessments

41 assignments

Taught in English

91%

of learners achieved a positive career outcome

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There are 7 modules in this course

Computer graphics can be a powerful tool for supporting visual problem solving, and interactivity plays a central role in harnessing the users' creativity. This course will introduce various interactive tools developed in computer graphics research field with their design rationales and algorithms. Examples include enhancements to graphical user interfaces, authoring tools for 2D drawings and 3D animations, and interactive computer-aided design systems. Rich live demonstrations and course assignments will give you insights and skills to design and implement such tools for your own problems.

Module details

Graphical user interfaces transform control problems into visual solutions. This module introduces five methods to enhance GUI operations, including scrolling, desktop icon management, large display pointing, digital inking, and vocal interaction. You will learn to improve user interface design for practical applications.

What's included

7 videos4 readings6 assignments

7 videosTotal 57 minutes

Course Preview2 minutes
Introduction5 minutes
1-1 Scrolling Interface11 minutes
1-2 Desktop Icons8 minutes
1-3 Pointing6 minutes
1-4 Digital Ink12 minutes
1-5 Voice Interaction12 minutes

4 readingsTotal 40 minutes

Course Description10 minutes
Syllabus10 minutes
Course FAQs10 minutes
Problems when running Java Application / Java Applet10 minutes

6 assignmentsTotal 90 minutes

Graphical User Interfaces 30 minutes
Scrolling Interface 12 minutes
Desktop Icons 12 minutes
Pointing 12 minutes
Digital Ink 12 minutes
Voice Interaction 12 minutes

This module covers techniques for authoring 2D drawings and animations. Topics include interactive diagram beautification, pen-and-ink texture synthesis, shape manipulation, and dynamic illustrations. Understand how interactive software streamlines drawing tasks, making creative graphic design more efficient.

What's included

4 videos5 assignments

Building on 2D concepts, this module covers 3D geometric modeling methods. Topics include suggestive interfaces for architectural models, sketch-based modeling for freeform shapes, curve-based shape control, flower modeling, and volumetric texture. Learn to model 3D objects efficiently using specialized 2D user interfaces.

What's included

5 videos6 assignments

5 videosTotal 55 minutes

3-1 Suggestive Interface9 minutes
3-2 Sketch-based Modeling15 minutes
3-3 Shape Control by Curves10 minutes
3-4 Flower Modeling10 minutes
3-5 Volumetric Textures11 minutes

6 assignmentsTotal 160 minutes

3D Geometric Modeling30 minutes
Suggestive Interface 30 minutes
Sketch-based Modeling 30 minutes
Shape Control by Curves 10 minutes
Flower Modeling 30 minutes
Volumetric Textures 30 minutes

This module shifts focus to simulating and crafting real objects and movements. Topics include clothing manipulation, layer operations for deformable objects, spatial keyframing for character animations, procedural deformation, and human motion visualization. Understand how deformation and animation techniques reproduce complex objects and motions visually.

What's included

5 videos6 assignments

5 videosTotal 62 minutes

4-1 Clothing Manipulations14 minutes
4-2 Layer Operations13 minutes
4-3 Spatial Key Framing11 minutes
4-4 Procedural Deformation13 minutes
4-5 Motion Database10 minutes

6 assignmentsTotal 180 minutes

Deformation and Animation30 minutes
Clothing Manipulations 30 minutes
Layer Operations 30 minutes
Spatial Key Framing 30 minutes
Procedural Deformation 30 minutes
Motion Database 30 minutes

This module covers systems supporting personal fabrication. Topics include designing plush toys, beadworks, chairs, and softly folded objects. An interactive packing method is also presented. Gain skills in digital design for custom physical creations.

What's included

5 videos6 assignments

Computers are essential for product design, mediating interaction between designers and products. This module covers computer-aided design with simultaneous physical simulation. Systems for designing cantilevers, musical instruments, garments, furniture, and gliders are introduced. Learn how real-time feedback improves product design outcomes.

What's included

5 videos6 assignments

Robotic appliances are becoming common, creating new research in human-robot interaction. This module covers interactive techniques and systems for real-world interaction. Topics include command card interfaces for robot control, style-by-demonstration for robot behavior design, actuated puppet devices for character posing, painting interfaces for robotic lights, and fur displays. Understand human-robot design principles.