CM2101: Human Computer Interaction

School Cardiff School of Computer Science and Informatics
Department Code COMSC
Module Code CM2101
External Subject Code 100366
Number of Credits 10
Level L5
Language of Delivery English
Module Leader Dr Alia Abdelmoty
Semester Spring Semester
Academic Year 2020/1

Outline Description of Module

This module introduces the principles and concepts of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) to enable the design of multimodal systems that effectively meet human needs. The course covers aspects of interaction design and human factors, offering theoretical grounding and practical skills for analysing, designing and evaluating the usability of interactive software systems. Topics covered include accessibility, auditory based interaction, and virtual and augmented reality.

On completion of the module a student should be able to

  1. Appreciate the importance and context of HCI and human factors in the software development lifecycle.
  2. Recognise the importance of identifying and involving users in the design of interactive systems.
  3. Apply task analysis and dialogue design methods to facilitate effective interaction design.
  4. Demonstrate awareness of design patterns for effective user interface design.
  5. Utilise usability guideline and principles in the design and evaluation of interface prototypes.
  6. Develop knowledge of tools and techniques for inclusive software design.
  7. Understand how multimodal user interfaces are designed and developed to overcome issues with screen-based interactive systems.
  8. Select and apply suitable usability evaluation methods for the evaluation of interactive software systems.
  9. Develop essential empirical skills for conducting user studies to evaluate interface prototypes.

How the module will be delivered

Modules will be delivered through blended learning. You will be guided through learning activities appropriate to your module, which may include: • on-line resources that you work through at your own pace (e.g. videos, web resources, e-books, quizzes), • on-line interactive sessions to work with other students and staff (e.g. discussions, live streaming of presentations, live-coding, team meetings) • face to face small group sessions (e.g. help classes, feedback sessions)

Skills that will be practised and developed

Please see Learning Outcomes.

How the module will be assessed

A blend of assessment types which may include coursework and portfolio assessments, class tests, and/or formal examinations.

Assessment Breakdown

Type % Title Duration(hrs)
Written Assessment 50 Interface Prototyping Exercise N/A
Written Assessment 50 Usability Evaluation Experiment N/A

Syllabus content

Relevance and context of HCI

Interaction models and basics of human variance

Usability engineering and user-centred design

User profiles and personas

Cognitive and task modelling

Prototyping interfaces

Empirical experimentation and data driven evaluation

Auditory based user interfaces

Accessibility and Inclusive Design

Usability guidelines and principles

Usability evaluation techniques and universal design

Interface design patterns

Human Factors considerations in visual display design

 

Essential Reading and Resource List

Please see Background Reading List for an indicative list.

Background Reading and Resource List

Interaction Design: Beyond Human-Computer Interaction, Preece, Rogers and Sharp, Wiley, 2015

Human-Computer Interaction (third edition), A. Dix et al., Prentice-Hall 2004

Designing Interfaces, Tidwell, O’Reilly, 2010

Designing Mobile Interfaces, Hoober and Berkman, O’Reilly, 2012

Research Methods in Human-Computer Interaction - Lazar, Feng, and Hochheiser 2009

3D Sound for Virtual Reality and Multimedia Applications - Begault 1994

 


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