The tech industry is rapidly adopting AI in everyday practice. We see this with Duolingo's "AI First" statement and the mass development of AI chatbots like Google’s Gemini, Microsoft’s Co-pilot, and of course — ChatGPT.

However, this brings issues like potential spread of misinformation, privacy concerns, and a growing lack of human touch in design. More than ever, we need to put more focus on HCI (Human-Computer Interaction) to design systems and products that understand people — not just data.

The good thing is, CMU has a whole HCI department that is leading the charge! They’re offering awesome courses next semester that teach you the fundamentals of human-centered design and how to ethically combine it with the capacities of AI.

Ready to start or continue your HCI journey next semester this Spring 2026? Read more below and hear some testimonies from students that have previously taken the classes!

HCII Special Topics Sections (05-499)

Section A: Design and/of Policy

HCI Undergraduate: 05-499 A | HCI Graduate: 05-899 A

Course Website: https://hcii.cmu.edu/course/special-topics-design-andof-policy

You should take this if:

• You’re interested in how technology, design, and policy intersect— and want to understand how these decisions can shape laws, ethics, and public outcomes.
• You want to move beyond traditional HCI/design practice by exploring how designers can actively influence policy, not just respond to it.
• You enjoy tackling complex social and technical issue such as privacy, AI ethics, or gig work through deep analysis

No prerequisites!

Section B: Building Technologies for the Resistance

HCI Undergraduate: 05-499 B | HCI Graduate: 05-899 B Course Website: https://hcii.cmu.edu/course/special-topics-building-technologies-resistance

You should take this if:

• You want to design and build technologies that challenge surveillance and empower users.
• You're interested in the intersection of privacy, ethics, cybersecurity, and human-computer interaction.