In this course, we investigate the origins of hypermedia and the World Wide Web and discuss current and future developments on the Web. We have a detailed look at the architecture of the Internet and various protocols such as the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP). We further discuss different client and server-side issues in web architectures and have a look at the Web 2.0 and Rich Internet Applications (RIAs) as well as Web Services. The latest HTML5 developments are introduced and various XML technologies and applications are presented. JavaScript is introduced and CSS3 and its application in responsive web design are discussed. Last but not least, we learn about the Semantic Web, web search, security and privacy as well as a number of selected topics (e.g. mobile information systems). The theory is applied in various exercise sessions as well as in a web application that is developed as part of the course.

After attending the course on Next Generation User Interfaces, the student has an understanding of the interaction principles introduced by new devices such as smartphones, multi-touch tables or gesture-based interfaces as well as the theoretical background behind these interaction principles. The student is able to reflect on the qualities and shortcomings of different interaction styles, while placing the user at the core of the interface design process. The theory is applied in a group project where students design and develop their individual next generation user interface.