Units
Interaction Design
Unit code: INB272
Contact hours: 3 per week
Credit points: 12
Information about fees and unit costs
The aim of this unit is to provide you with an understanding of the theory, practices and challenges associated with the development of creative interactive design and human computer interaction.
Availability
| Semester | Available |
|---|---|
| 2013 Semester 2 | Yes |
Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2013
Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.
Rationale
The human-computer interface is a critical element in modern interactive computer systems. Systems analysts, engineers, programmers and designers require a basic understanding of the principles of cognitive science, ergonomics and sociology. Such knowledge ensures the development high-quality software, systems and devices to meet people's needs and promote the effective, efficient and enjoyable use of computing applications. Designing interactive systems is concerned with various products, from the desktop computer to personal digital assistants (PDA), MP3 players and mobile phones, and applications, from engineering systems, through to office applications, websites and games. The interaction between humans and computers has become critical to the success of computer applications for work and play. Interaction design skills give students an edge in the market place for jobs such as interaction designers, usability engineers, game designers, web developers, information architects, and user experience designers.
Aims
It is expected that upon successful completion of the unit you will understand the basic philosophy behind designing for human interaction with interactive systems and be able to identify, describe, and critique different methods for performing user-centred design and interaction design processes. You will be able to evaluate the usability of interactive systems and devices by developing hands-on skills with user-centred design techniques.
Objectives
On completion of this unit, you should be able to:
- To understand interaction design from a historical perspective and be able to identify some of the major themes and influences that have shaped the field. (GC1, GC6)
- Understand the terms utility, usability, user-centred design and user experience within the context of interaction design and be aware of the ways in which application of these terms influences interaction deisgn processes. (GC1, GC2, GC3)
- Understand the multi-disciplinary nature of interaction design and relate theories from cognitive psychology, social science and software development to the design of interactive systems. (GC1, GC2, GC4, GC5, GC6)
- Understand and apply principles and standards and use a range of interaction design methods in the process of interactive system design. (GC1, GC2, GC3, GC6)
- Understand the role of user evaluation in the development of interactive systems and implement an evaluation framework that is appropriate for a given set of objectives. (GC1, GC2, GC3)
Key: Graduate Capabilities
GC1 - Knowledge and Skills
GC2 - Critical and Creative Thinking
GC3 - Communication
CG4 - Lifelong Learning
GC5 - Independence and Collaboration
GC6 - Social and Ethical Responsibility
GC7 - Leadership and Change
Content
You will be introduced to theories of human-computer interactoin (HCI) and interaction design. The unit will cover the history of HCI, principles of usability and user-centred design and the role of people, activities, contexts and technology in the design of interactive systems. In looking at the human part of HCI, the unit examines topics from cognitive psychology and social science as they relate to interaction design. You will investigate a range of methods for interactive system design and explore techniques for capturing user requirements, prototyping, and participatory design The important topic of system evaluation will be covered and you will be required to develop an understanding of evaluation frameworks within the interaction design domain. This unit will cover a range of interaction design evaluation techniques.
This unit aims to give you a broad understanding of the important issues, topics and paradigms in designing interactive systems. Current and emerging interactive technologies are discussed, including the web, mobile and wearable computers. The unit address both the existing and the new 'uncharted' interactivity design challenges using a practical and refreshing approach.
Approaches to Teaching and Learning
A variety of teaching modes will be used in INB272. These include lectures, workshops, and independent learning. The topics for each week are available on Blackboard. Information available on Blackboard includes lecture slides, workshop activities, readings and assessment information. More detail on lecture topics can be found in the textbook. It is expected that you will attend lectures and workshops. After the lecture and workshop, you should (in your own time) study and reflect on the material presented. This will verify your understanding of the material. If something is not understood, check with any tutor or lecturer associated with this unit either by email or during their normal consulting times. The workshops will follow the lecture and are designed to reinforce your understanding of the content. Assignments focus on skill development in interaction design critique, design and evaluation.
Assessment
Criterion-Referenced Assessment
There are three pieces of assessment for INB272, a report, an applied design project and an end of semester theoretical examination. Appropriate assessment criteria will be made available to students at the introduction of the report and project assessment.Formative feedback will be provided during the presentation sessions and through the return of marked assessment.
Assessment name:
Report
Description:
You will complete an analytical written report on a topic core to the study of interaction design.
Relates to objectives:
2, 3, 4, 5
Weight:
20%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Week 9
Assessment name:
Project (applied)
Description:
The aim of this assessment is to apply interaction design techniques to develop an understanding of user requirements and subsequently use this understanding, in conjunction with your knowledge of design principles and guidelines, to develop a system prototype.
Relates to objectives:
2, 3, 4, 5
Weight:
40%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Group
Due date:
Week 13
Assessment name:
Problem Solving Task
Description:
Workshop-based Problem Solving Tasks
Relates to objectives:
1-5
Weight:
40%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Throughout Semester
Academic Honesty
QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.
A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.
Resource materials
Required Textbook(s):
Benyon. D., Turner, P., Turner, S. (2010). Designing Interactive Systems: People, Activities, Contexts, and Technologies, 2nd Edition. London, UK: Pearson Education Limited.
Reference(s):
Preece, J., Rogers, Y., Sharp, H. (2002). Interaction Design: beyond human-computer interaction. New York, NY: Wiley.
No extraordinary charges or costs are associated with the requirements for this unit.
Risk assessment statement
There is minimal health and safety risk in this unit. It is your responsibility to familiarise yourself with the Health and Safety policies and procedures applicable within campus areas and laboratories.
Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.
Last modified: 15-May-2012
