CMT206: Human Centric Computing
| School | Cardiff School of Computer Science and Informatics |
| Department Code | COMSC |
| Module Code | CMT206 |
| External Subject Code | 100736 |
| Number of Credits | 20 |
| Level | L7 |
| Language of Delivery | English |
| Module Leader | Professor Hantao Liu |
| Semester | Spring Semester |
| Academic Year | 2019/0 |
Outline Description of Module
As information systems become more pervasive and complex there is a growing need to ensure these systems are fit for purpose as far as the end user communities are concerned. As delivery platforms proliferate to include smart phones, tablets and mobile games consoles as well as traditional desktop systems, the interaction mechanisms and contexts in which these interactions take place also expand. This module aims to develop the technical, societal, business and management understanding to enable individuals to define and deliver effective information systems from a human centric perspective.
This module takes a systems approach to Human Centric Computing and deals with relevant aspects of Human Computer Interaction (HCI), Human Perception and Visualization.
On completion of the module a student should be able to
1. Critically evaluate and discuss the complex nature of users and their interaction with artefacts and systems.
2. Describe the characteristics of human perception, the limitations of human information processing, and the relationship between perception and human cognition in computer systems and visualisations.
3. Appreciate the importance and context of HCI and human factors in the software development lifecycle and for the successful introduction of interactive computer systems.
4. Select and apply suitable usability evaluation methodologies for the evaluation of interactive software systems.
5. Develop and evaluate competing proposals for interface design and implementation.
6. Apply human centric design methodologies in the context of current and emerging interaction technologies.
7. Demonstrate competency in the method of scientific analysis, the control of variables, analysis, and the presentation of outcomes.
8. Understand experimental design for the subjective assessment of user experience
9. Select and apply suitable methodologies for the conduct of a subjective experiment.
How the module will be delivered
This module will be delivered through a combination of online readings and videos, face-to-face lectures, supervised lab sessions, example classes and tutorials, as appropriate.
Skills that will be practised and developed
Human Factors and Human Computer Interaction.
Usability.
Task and error analysis.
Collaborative systems.
Interaction design patterns for current and emerging technologies.
Scientific and information visualization tools and techniques.
Visual analytics and decision support systems.
Experimental design and data analysis.
Advanced interaction and display technologies.
How the module will be assessed
Coursework: the coursework will allow students to demonstrate their knowledge and practical skills and to apply the principles taught in lectures (LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5).
Exam: a written exam (1.5 h) will test the student’s knowledge and understanding as elaborated under the learning outcomes (LO1, LO6, LO7, LO8).
Students will be provided with reassessment opportunities in line with University regulations.
Assessment Breakdown
| Type | % | Title | Duration(hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exam - Spring Semester | 50 | Human Centric Computing | 3 |
| Written Assessment | 25 | Part 1 - User Interface Design Prototyping | N/A |
| Written Assessment | 25 | Part 2 - Individual Analysis And Report | N/A |
Syllabus content
Human Factors and Human Computer Interaction.
Usability.
Task and error analysis.
Collaborative systems.
Interaction design patterns for current and emerging technologies.
Scientific and information visualization tools and techniques.
Visual analytics and decision support systems.
Experimental design and data analysis.
Advanced interaction and display technologies.
Background Reading and Resource List
Indicative Reading and Resource List:
In addition to the guided reading provided during the course, students will be expected to widely research contemporary issues as reflected in appropriate journals.
The following books may also be relevant:
Preece P, Rogers Y, and Sharp H. (2015) “Interaction Design: Beyond Human-Computer Interaction”, Wiley
Tidwell J (2010) “Designing Interfaces”, O’Reilly
Hoober S and Berkman E (2014) “Designing Mobile Interfaces”, O’Reilly
Spence R. (2006) “Information Visualization: Design for Interaction”, Prentice Hall.
McCandless M. (2012) “Information is Beautiful”, Collins.
Tufte E R. (1990) “Envisioning Information”, Graphic Press USA.
Huang W, Alem L, and Livingston M A. (2013) “Human Factors in Augmented Reality Environments”, Springer, ISBN: 978-1-4614-4204-2 (Print)
Thomas Tullis and William Albert. Measuring the User Experience: Collecting, Analyzing, and Presenting Usability Metrics (Interactive Technologies). (ISBN-10: 0123735580)