Module Code - Title:
CS6441
-
FOUNDATIONS OF INTERACTION AND EXPERIENCE DESIGN 2 - PRACTICE
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
This foundation module will provide a general introduction to the available methods, techniques and tools in human-computer interaction (HCI) and Interaction and experience design (IXUX). User and human-centred approaches to design will be discussed and practised together with participatory and collaborative ones. We will cover aspects of iterative design, creative technique for the exploration of the design space, prototyping techniques and tools, test and evaluation techniques and methods.
Syllabus:
This module will work in synergy with the module Foundation of Interaction and Experience Design 1 - Theory. The module comprise a mix of labs, individual and group assignments, presentations and discussions. The module puts in practice the theoretical notions and the methods outlined in Foundation of Interaction and Experience Design 1 - Theory. Specifically, the students are invited to assess the usability of everyday objects, to identify areas of interest and qualitatively research users and contexts of use, to creatively explore potential design interventions, and to use different prototyping and evaluation techniques to iterate the design in a collaborative and user-centred fashion.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
1. Apply Interaction and Experience design theory to practice;
2. Illustrate, recognise and employ basic methods, techniques and tools in the fields of HCI and Interaction and Experience design;
3. Assess an interactive artefact or interface in terms of its utility and usability;
4. Design an improved interface for an interactive systems;
5. Display a commitment to user-centred and participatory approaches to design;
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
1. Display a commitment to user-centred and participatory approaches to the design of interactive systems;
2. Display knowledge of various ways (methods, techniques, tools) to the ethical involvement of users and other stakeholders in the design process;
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
1. Display an ability to develop physical prototypes at different levels of fidelity;
2. Display an ability to stage a presentation
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
This module is taught in synergy with Foundation of Interaction and Experience Design 1 - Theory. Together will contribute to student knowledgeability as they offer a great mix of theory and practice, with focus on design and research methods, it is projects-based, multidisciplinary. The module will offer both group and individual projects to support the development of the students' Proactivity and responsibility. Creativity is central as this is a design module. Collaboration is also central as the module will offer a mix of individual as well as group projects. Articulation is supported by asking the student write reports, present in class, and perform peer-to-peer critiques.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Sanders, (2013) (2013)
Convivial toolbox
, BIS publisher
Buxton, Bill. (2010) (2010)
Sketching User Experiences
, Morgan Kaufmann
Other Relevant Texts:
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
MUINEDTFA - INTERACTION AND EXPERIENCE DESIGN
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Autumn
Module Leader:
Cristiano.Storni@ul.ie