Registry

Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2012 - 2013
Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title	Human Computer Interaction
Module Code	CA357
School	School of Computing
Online Module Resources
Module Co-ordinator	Semester 1: Donal Fitzpatrick Semester 2: Donal Fitzpatrick Autumn: Donal Fitzpatrick
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

Description

The aims of this module are to introduce the student to the fundamental concepts underpinning the design of user interfaces. Students will be exposed to the theories which support the design of interaction strategies, and will be instructed in the practical aspects of implementing these theories. This module is aimed at students who wish to become familiar with the theoretical basis, and the practical knowledge necessary to design user interfaces to a high standard.

Learning Outcomes

1. Describe the importance of user-interface design and when it should occur in the software development lifecycle
2. Identify different types of interface
3. Understand the varying types of user, and the methods they use to interact with systems
4. Be familiar with techniques used to evaluate user-interface design
5. Be cognisant of future trends in user-interface design with respect to mobile devices

Workload	Full-time hours per semester
*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Lecture	24	Lectures provided by the coordinator or other nominee
Assignment	35	The assignment which students will complete
Independent learning	66	Time for students to explore and learn topics presented in this module
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Introduction to Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)..
A discussion of the history of interfaces, and an overview of the role of HCI in the software process..

HCI and the World Wide Web..
An examination of the role of Interface Design in the unique context that is the Web. Things like Ajax, Aria, HTML 5 (to list a few) will be discussed..

Cognitive Issues for Human-Computer Interaction..
A major and important facet of Interface Design is the cognitive aspect. How do we perceive colour, sound and other modalities? Are there issues surrounding the design of interfaces for children or the elderly?.

Interaction styles and general design Interaction strategies..
How do humans use and interact with their technology?.

Interface and usability evaluation..
Various techniques for evaluation of interfaces including task Analysis, heuristic interface evaluation, and other techniques for capturing the usability of the interface..

Interface Implementation.
User Requirements Analysis. Implementation techniques (Prototyping)..

User-centred design and accessibility.
Why should we design with accessibility in mind? Does it really matter?.

Mobile and MultiModal HCI.
An overview of current (and future) trends and directions in HCI. Mobile computing (such as smartphones) and multiModal interfaces will be discussed..

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	30%	Examination Weight	70%

Course Work Breakdown
Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assignment	this assignment will require the student to either design or implement a user interface based on a set of requirements provided by the module coordinator.	30%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; 1 = A resit is available for all components of the module 2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module 3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
This module is category 3

Indicative Reading List

B. Schneiderrnan: 0, Designing the User Interface: Strategies for Effective Human-Computer Interaction,
A.Dix, J.Finlay, G.Abowd and R.Beale,: 0, Human Computer Interaction,
J. Nielsen: 0, Designing Web Usability,,
Andrew Sears (ED) and Julie A. Jacko (ED: 0, The Human-Computer Interaction Handbook: Fundamentals, Evolving Technologies and Emerging Applications,

Other Resources

None

Array

Programme or List of Programmes

BSSAO

Study Abroad (DCU Business School)

CASE

BSc in Computer Applications (Sft.Eng.)

BSc in Enterprise Computing

ECSA

Study Abroad (Engineering & Computing)

ECSAO