Module Code - Title:
CS5705
-
SOFTWARE ENGINEERING HUMAN COMPUTER INTERACTION
Year Last Offered:
2023/4
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
As computer technology is becoming more ubiquitous and consumer-orientated, the need for understanding users and the contexts of use is becoming increasingly important. HCI is about the design of technologies that are safe, easy to learn and use, efficient, and provide the user with a positive experience of use. HCI traditionally takes a user-centred approach to design, putting the user of technology at the centre of the design process. The advantages of incorporating HCI into the software development lifecycle include: higher quality systems and products from the user's (customer) perspective; systems that are safer and less prone to human error (important in aviation, banking, government, military, etc.); reduced frustration and time spent learning to use systems; increased acceptability of technology among the elderly; and research also associates higher return of investment with the incorporation of HCI principles early in the design lifecycle.
Syllabus:
The following is a list of topics to be covered in this course:
Introduction to HCI and associated fields - ergonomics, human-factors, interaction design, computer-supported cooperative work;
HCI in the design lifecycle: user-centred design, participatory design, usability engineering;
HCI technologies;
The Psychology of Human-Computer Interaction;
Principles for usability in user-interface design;
Task analysis;
Methods for studying users in context;
HCI design and prototyping methods;
Methods for the evaluation of computer systems: for usability and user experience;
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
1. Enumerate the key elements required for the design of interactive technologies;
2. Identify the conceptual and methodological bases of interaction design, as well as its historical context;
3. Summarize the psychological and social scientific bases of HCI;
4. Apply principles and heuristics for the design of interactive technologies;
5. Conduct a user-centred usability evaluation of an interactive artefact and derive recommendations for re-design from this process;
6. Critique a variety of methods for involving end users as participants in the creation of new interactive technologies.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
1. Display an appreciation of the importance of user participation in the design process.
2. Value the different skills and abilities of people in the context of human-system interaction.
3. Embrace the importance of inclusive design.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
N/A
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
H. Sharpe, Y. Rogers and J. Preece (2007)
Interaction Design (2nd edition)
, Chichester: Wiley
D. Norman (1998)
The Design of Everyday Things
, Cambridge MA: MIT Press
A. Badre (2002)
Shaping Web Usability
, Boston: Addison Wesley
Other Relevant Texts:
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
Semester - Year to be First Offered:
Spring
-
08/09
Module Leader:
lilian.mottiader@ul.ie