This module explores fundamental human psychology and its implications for the design of human-computer interfaces. Emphasis is on the practical demonstration of the theoretical material through usability evaluation and design exercises.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
LO1
Explain the psychological foundations of usability guidelines.
LO2
Evaluate the usability of software interfaces.
LO3
Document usability evaluations and designs of software interfaces.
LO4
Recommend usability improvements to the design of an existing software interface.
LO5
Co-operate in a group.
Pre-requisite learning
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
Co-requisites
No Co Requisites listed
Module Content & Assessment
Indicative Content
Introduction
Definition of HCI and Usability; Goals of HCI; Importance of Usability; Attributes of Usability.
Human Psychology
Perception (perceived affordances); Attention; Memory; Mental Models (types & formation of); Errors (mistakes v. slips). Relationship between usability guidelines and human psychology.
Usability Engineering
Outline of UE process; Interaction styles; Design characteristics of GUI components; Preparing paper prototypes; Heuristic Evaluation; Cognitive Walkthrough.
Assessment Breakdown
%
Course Work
100.00%
Course Work
Assessment Type
Assessment Description
Outcome addressed
% of total
Assessment Date
Short Answer Questions
Short written examination.
1,2,3
30.0
Week 6
Project
Identify, justify, and document usability problems in an existing software interface.
1,2,3,4
40.0
Week 8
Project
Co-operate in groups to document a resdesign of an existing software interface to improve usability.
1,3,4,5
30.0
Week 12
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.
The institute reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment
Module Workload
Workload: Full Time
Workload Type
Workload Description
Hours
Frequency
Average Weekly Learner Workload
Lecture
In class explanation of material
1.0
Every Week
1.00
Tutorial
In class working through theory with examples.
1.0
Every Week
1.00
Lab
Evaluation and redesign of existing software interfaces. Preparation of documentation.
2.0
Every Week
2.00
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact)
Theory study. Evaluation and redesign of existing software interfaces. Preparation of documentation.
3.0
Every Week
3.00
Total Hours
7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload
7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours
4.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type
Workload Description
Hours
Frequency
Average Weekly Learner Workload
Lecture
In class explanation of material
1.0
Every Week
1.00
Tutorial
In class working through theory with examples.
1.0
Every Week
1.00
Lab
Evaluation and redesign of existing software interfaces. Preparation of documentation.
2.0
Every Week
2.00
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact)
Theory study. Evaluation and redesign of existing software interfaces. Preparation of documentation.
3.0
Every Week
3.00
Total Hours
7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload
7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours
4.00
Module Resources
Supplementary Book Resources
Shneiderman, Ben et al. 2009, Designing the User Interface: Strategies for Effective Human-Computer Interaction, 5th Ed., Pearson Education [ISBN: 978-0321601483]
Dix, A. et al. 2004, Human-Computer Interaction, 3rd Ed., Prentice Hall [ISBN: 978-0130461094]
Jakob Nielsen 1993, Usability engineering, Morgan Kaufmann Publishers San Francisco, Calif. [ISBN: 978-0125184069]
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
Shareware book: Lewis, C & Rieman, J.Task-Centered User Interface Design: A
Practical Introduction