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SOFT6002 - Introduction to HCI

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Title:Introduction to HCI
Long Title:Introduction to Human-Computer Interfaces
Module Code:SOFT6002
  
Duration:1 Semester
Credits: 5
NFQ Level:Fundamental
Field of Study: Computer Software
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2012/13 ( September 2012 )
Module Delivered in no programmes
Module Coordinator: Sean McSweeney
Module Author: PAUL ROTHWELL
Module Description: 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
Module Recommendations
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named CIT module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
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
More
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
 

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 Work100.00%
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
 

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