615-348 Human Computer Interaction

Students enrolled in the BSc, BASc or a combined BSc course (except for the BSc/BIS) will receive science credit for the completion of this subject.

Credit cannot be granted for both this subject and 433-371.

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

This subject focuses on the analysis, design and testing of the usability and usefulness of information systems. As such, it complements many other Information Systems subjects that concentrate on business and organisational analysis and post implementation issues. A key focus is the IS development process and specifically, use and user-centered functions.

Aspects of the following topics will be considered: theoretical foundations (conceptual theories, user characteristics, user modelling), and usability engineering (user-centered design, user needs analysis, participatory design and usability evaluation).

At the completion of this subject, student should:

• have knowledge of the 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; and

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

A single project (individual and/or group) totalling up to 6000 words due during the semester (50%); a 2-hour written examination in the examination period (50%). Satisfactory completion of both project work and the examination is necessary to pass the subject.

• J Preece et al, Interaction Design: Beyond Human Computer Interaction. John Wiley 2002.