Introduction to Human Computer Interaction
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| COMP2004 | Computer Science | 2 | 10 | Spring UK |
- Code
- COMP2004
- School
- Computer Science
- Level
- 2
- Credits
- 10
- Semesters
- Spring UK
Summary
This module is part of the Human Computer Interaction theme in The School of Computer Science. This module aims to teach an understanding of people's interactions with technology and how to apply this knowledge in the design of usable interactive computer systems. The module will introduce the concept of usability and will examine different design approaches and evaluation methods. Specifically, this module will cover an understanding of different styles of interaction with technology, an analysis of user needs, design standards, low fidelity prototyping techniques and a comparison of evaluation techniques.
Target Students
Available to Level 2 students in the School of Computer Science. Available to students with intercalated year in computer science. This module is part of the Human-Computer Interaction theme in the School of Computer Science.
Assessment
- 50% Coursework 1: Design and prototype exercise with justification of design decisions (individual coursework). Submission is either a PDF of screenshots with a 10-minute face-to-face demo of the prototype, or a 10-minute video. Reassessment is by 100% individual coursework.
- 50% Coursework 2: 3000-word evaluation coursework (group coursework). Reassessment is by 100% individual coursework.
Assessed by end of spring semester
Educational Aims
To introduce students to the study of HCI by examining different design approaches and evaluation methods and to encourage a systematic approach to the design and evaluation of the user interface in contemporary computing systems. Particular attention is paid to the use of prototyping as an aid to interface development through iterative evaluation.Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding:
- Understanding the importance of considering the human in the design of interactive computer systems.
- Knowledge of different design and evaluation methods.
- Understanding of the issues and problems facing the interface designer and an appreciation of the relationship between physical and software constraints in device design.
Intellectual Skills:
- Think independently while giving due weight to the arguments of others.
- Provide reasoned arguments for and against different solutions.
Professional Skills:
- Understand design guidelines and relate them to specific interface requirements.
- Evaluate approaches to the design and evaluation of interfaces and select those that are fit for purpose within a given domain.
Transferable Skills:
- Solve problems.
- Retrieve information from appropriate sources (e.g. learning resource centre, internet, etc).