Catalog Course Description:
Introduces the student to the study of computer-based user interfaces. Presents user-centered focus in evaluation of computer interfaces. Teaches the basic principles of user analysis and interface evaluation. Gives a practical introduction to ergonomics.
Pre-requisites and Co-requisites:
No specific prerequisite
Curriculum Role:
This course provides an introduction to the design of interaction between people and computers or among people using networked computers or devices. This is an important introduction to the design of information systems from a user perspective. The course is usually taken by students in their first or second year as preparation for a wide range of fields of study.
Course Rationale:
This course is offered to give students a user perspective on design. This emphasizes understanding the needs and behaviors of potential users early and often in the design process. It stresses involving potential users in the design and testing of information systems. In particular, it shows the kinds of problems that arise from designing systems without adequate concern with actual users.
Course Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this course, a student will be able to:
•Describe the scope of the study of human-computer interaction
•Analyze a computer interface from a user-centered perspective
•Perform one method of evaluating a user interface that requires user observation
•Perform one method of evaluating a user interface that does not requires user observation
•Apply ergonomics of computer usage
•Know consequences of bad ergonomics
•Know the phases and terminology of the HCI design process
Course Content:
Principal topics and the approximate number of weeks devoted to each are:
•Introduction to human-computer interaction (1)
•Survey of topic areas in human-computer interaction (1)
•Problems caused by bad interface design (1)
•Development of user profiles (1)
•User interface evaluation without user observation (1.5)
•Introduction to the HCI design process (0.5)
•Bias and ethical issues testing on human subjects (1)
•User interface evaluation with user observation (2)
•Ergonomics of computer usage (1)
Presentation:
Note: Presentation method may vary somewhat from section to section.
Teaching methods may include lecture, class demonstration, video, and student projects
Assessment:
Note: Assessment method may vary somewhat from section to section.
Grade is based on tests and an interface evaluation project.
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