| STUDENTS
> Interaction Design
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Interaction Design
Note:
Whilst every effort is made to keep the syllabus and assessment records correct
for this course, the precise details must be checked with the lecturer(s).
| Code: | 3012 |
| Year: | 3 |
| Prerequisites: | Successful completion of years 1 and 2 of the BSc/MEng Computer Science programme or the BSc Information Management programme |
| Term: | 2 |
| Taught By: | Duncan Brumby (50%)
Anna Cox (50%)
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| Aims: | This module provides an introduction to how interactive systems can be designed to better support users' needs. It is strongly based on principles of user-centred design, on the study of designs both good and bad, and on the essential skills and methods that interaction designers need. Topics covered include methods for establishing the needs of users, ways of representing designs, how to devise suitable forms of solution for design problems, methods of visual design, and the use of testing to ensure a satisfactory outcome. Designs for existing and emerging technologies will be subjected to scrutiny and discussion, and practice sessions will enable students to gain proficiency in using taught methods. |
| Learning Outcomes: | Knowledge and application of a range of design methods and techniques for eliciting requirements and producing design solutions. The ability to use a prototyping methodology to represent design ideas, and carry out a principled usability evaluation to improve a given design. Develop an intellectual ability to reflect critically on design processes and outcomes, and a range of specific usability issues associated with example interactive systems.
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Content:
| 1. User-centred design approach | Models of the software development process
The value of an iterative design-evaluate cycle |
| 2. Understanding users' needs | Establishing the need for technology
Field studies: how we discover needs
How needs are transformed into design problems and requirements specified |
| 3. Design representations | Designing for specific persons or scenarios
Sketching and prototyping ideas
Design judgements and studio design culture
Virtual and mixed-reality environments |
| 4. Making use of design knowledge | Using guidelines and design patterns
Visual communication design
Information visualisation |
| 5. Evaluating interactive systems | What is a good design? Importance of critical parameters
Analytical approaches to design and evaluation
Planning and conduct usability evaluations
Is usability evaluation sometimes harmful? |
Method of Instruction:
Lecture presentations with associated practical problems. The coursework comprises
of a single group work assignment.
Assessment:
The course has the following assessment components:
- Written Examination (2.5 hours, 75%)
- Coursework Section (1 piece, 25%)
To pass this course, students must:
- Obtain an overall pass mark of 40% for all sections combined
The examination rubric is:
Answer all 5 questions out of 5. All questions carry equal marks. Resources:
Buxton, W. (2007) Sketching User Experience: Getting the Design Right and the Right Design. San Francisco, CA: Morgan Kaufman.
Dix, A., Finlay, J.E., Abowd, G.D., Beale, R. (2004). Human-Computer Interaction. Pearson.
Newman, W.M., Laming, M.G. (1995). Interactive System Design. Addison Wesley.
Preece, J., Rogers, Y., Sharp, H. (2007) Interaction Design. New York, NY: John Wiley.
Williams, R. The Non-Designer's Design Book. Berkely, CA: Peachpit Press.
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