The magic of HCI: Enthusing kids in playful ways to help solve the Computer Science recruitment problem

With interest in studying Computer Science having dropped worldwide in recent years, the inclusive approach to the subject of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) has strong potential to make a difference. The cs4fn outreach campaign has drawn on this, and is based on core messages with links to HCI themes. cs4fn consists of a free schools magazine, a website and live activities. We present research in a playful, offbeat way. This has led to large increases in applications for places on our undergraduate Computer Science courses. cs4fn and the HCI aspects within it are also playing an important role in our attempts to attract more women to the subject. We discuss here some of the ways we have implemented the campaign’s messages using HCI topics. We overview the way HCI has played an integral part in the articles we write, in cs4fn activities on the web and in our lectures, workshops and shows such as the cs4fn Computer Science Magic Show.