Faculty of Information Technology

    CS221 Human-Computer Interaction - Syllabus

    Aims

    The aim of this module is to provide a theoretical underpinning to the students' understanding of HCI issues and to develop capability in the critical application of these theories.  This requires a basic understanding of relevant psychological theories and approaches.  In addition, a knowledge of new design methods and techniques in HCI will be developed.

    Objectives

    On completion of this unit the student will be able to:
     
    • understand the underlying scientific theories currently applied to user interface design.
    • be able to apply insights from these scientific theories to the design of user interfaces.
    • be aware of the expanding range of interaction modes and styles currently available and in development and understand the issues involved in their use.

    Approach

    Delivery of this module will be through lecturing, practical work and experimentation, and critical discussion (for which preparatory reading will be required).

    Assessment

    This will be by means of a design project.  Students will be required to develop the design of an interface for a specified system which has been identified in consultation with the lecturer.  The system will have significantly complex requirements of the interface.  Examples may include; a CASE tool, a simulation package, a hypermedia database, a scheduling tool, etc.  The submitted design, which may be in the form of a prototype, must be accompanied by a paper giving a critical justification of the design and identifying the application of any theoretical approach to solving specific design problems.

    Syllabus

    • Introduction to the science of HCI
    • The development process
    • Types of social organization and work and its impact on HCI
    • Methodology for requirements capture and analysis
    • Human-machine fit and adaptation
    • Psychological theories applicable to interface design
    • Application areas in human-computer interaction
    • Ergonomics
    • Design specification techniques
    • Implementation techniques
    • Evaluating the design
    • Case studies of the development and introduction of specific interfaces
    • A design project.

    Indicative Texts (required text in red)

    Human Computer Interaction    Dix, A et al. Prentice Hall 1993
    Graphical User Interface Design and Evaluation    Redmond-Pyle, D. & Moore, A.    Prentice Hall 1995 
    The Art of Human-Computer Interface Design    Laurel, B    Addison-Wesley 1990
     
     
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