615-348 Human Computer Interaction

50 points of 200-level subjects. Some familiarity with systems analysis and design would be an advantage.

Aspects of the following topics will be considered: theoretical foundations (conceptual theories, user characteristics, user modelling); UI technology (human-computer dialogues and input technology); and usability engineering (user-centred design; user needs analysis; participatory design and usability evaluation). Other issues in HCI will also be introduced.

At the completion of this subject, students should:

• have knowledge of the technical, cognitive and social factors that can make interactive software effective;

• understand and be able to apply user-centred design techniques;

• be aware of the range of design principles and guidelines that can assist user interface designers, and understand the limitations of such guidelines;

• understand the advantages and disadvantages of usability engineering and various approaches available.

2-hour end-of-semester written examination; individual and/or group project work. Weighting of the assessment components will be announced at the commencement of the subject.