Usability and Human Factors in Interaction Design
2012-2013
-
IMT4032
- 10 ECTS
Expected learning outcomes
Knowledge
The student, upon completion of this course, will be able to:
- Describe the meaning and the importance of usability and cognitive issues related to user behavior.
- Correctly apply design guidelines (heuristics) and methods for inspection of interaction design.
- Discuss human factors and end users cognitive, social and motor in design of digital media, including users with disabilities.
Skills
The student, upon completion of this course, will be able to analyse and inspect interactive systems in development and evaluation phases based on research-based and best-practice based knowledge of usability and end-users needs.
Overall competence
The student, upon completion of this course, will be able to develop understanding of and reflect upon theory and concepts in the field of usability. This knowledge can be applied to improve existing IT solutions and for innovation of new ones.
Topic(s)
- Introduction to theories in Human Computer Interaction (including human-model processor, goal-oriented behaviour and situated cognition)
- Introduction to core concepts in usability (including definition of usability, interaction design, mental models, interaction styles, interaction patterns, affordances, constraints, mapping, metaphors, visibility and feedback).
- Standards and guidelines for usability (including ISO 13407, ISO 9241)
- Knowledge in the head, embodied knowledge, knowledge in the user interface and in the world
- Metaphors in graphical user interfaces
- Heuristic evaluation and methods for expert assessment of interaction design
- Cognitive dimensions, such as perception, memory and attention
- Inclusive design and design for all: people with disabilites and the use of technology
- Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.0)
- Prototyping and development of wireframes
Teaching Methods
Essay
Lectures
Group works
Mandatory assignments
Meeting(s)/Seminar(s)
Other
Teaching Methods (additional text)
Student presentations
Form(s) of Assessment
Essay
Portfolio Assessment
Written exam, 3 hours
Form(s) of Assessment (additional text)
- Written exam, 3 hours, counts 40 %
- Essay (ca. 2500 words), counts 60 %
- Both parts must be passed
Version 1 of the essay must be approved (see Coursework Requirements). New version (version 2) will be handed in for a grading evaluation.
Grading Scale
Alphabetical Scale, A(best) – F (fail)
External/internal examiner
2 interne sensorer
Re-sit examination
Next ordinary exam
Examination support
Dictionary - english/first language
Coursework Requirements
- Handing in portfolio with compulsory practical assignments and exercises (must be approved)
- Version 1 of the essay must be handed in for approval
- Oral presentation of version 2 of essay
- Active participation in group assignments and individual exercises
Teaching Materials
- Benyon, David (2010). Designing interactive systems: A comprehensive guide to HCI and interaction design . Second edition. Reading, Mass.: Addison-Wesley
- Compendia with selected literature