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