Interaction Design and Usability (ISYS90085)

Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability
Semester 2
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AIMS

Typically, 40% of IS development costs can be attributed to user interface development. Unusable systems may necessitate longer training courses, incur higher operational costs, are ineffective in supporting business processes, are error prone and even dangerous. This subject presents students with the theory, methodology and technology relevant to the development of innovative and usable interactive information systems.

INDICATIVE CONTENT

Aspects of the following topics will be considered:

  • Theoretical foundations (theories of human-computer interaction, user characteristics, and user experience)
  • User interfaces (e.g., mobile, web, and wearable interfaces)
  • Usability and user experience (user-centred design; user needs analysis; participatory design and usability evaluation)

Intended learning outcomes

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs)


Having completed this unit the student is expected to:




  • Have knowledge of the technical, cognitive, and social factors that can make interactive software effective
  • Understand the methods, benefits, and limitations of a range of user-centred design approaches
  • Be able to apply an evidence-based approach to identify user needs and specify requirements for new interactive systems.
  • Know how to use established techniques to plan, construct and evaluate paper and digital prototypes.

Generic skills

On completion of this subject, students should have the following skills:

  • Analytical and interpretative skills, from critically engaging with the core concepts and approaches in human-computer interaction and user-centred design
  • High-level design skills, through proposing new uses of technology to support users
  • Team-work, through working on a group project
  • Report-writing skills
  • Presentation skills

Last updated: 3 November 2022

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
ISYS90026 Fundamentals of Information Systems
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5

OR

Permission from the subject coordinator.

Corequisites

None

Non-allowed subjects

SINF90002

Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)

The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.

Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home

Last updated: 3 November 2022

Assessment

Additional details

  • Critical Review - Individual students write and present a critique (1000 words) of an interaction design method or artefact. The critical review is due between weeks 3 and 11, worth 10%. Approximately 13 – 15 hours of work is required. Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) 1 and 2 are addressed in the critical review.
  • Assignment 1 – In small groups (3-4 students), students conduct a user needs analysis of a particular situation of use, design a paper prototype and conduct an evaluation of the prototype. The assignment consists of a written report (2500-3000 words) and a presentation (10 minutes), due in week 7, worth 25%. Assignment 1 requires approximately 40 - 45 hours of work per student. ILOs 3 and 4 are addressed in this assignment.
  • Assignment 2- In small groups (3-4 students) students create a digital prototype (based on the findings of assignment 1) and conduct a user-based evaluation of the prototype. Groups must report on the evaluation via a written report (2500-3000 words) and a presentation (10 minutes), due in week 12, worth 25%. Assignment 2 requires approximately 40 - 45 hours of work per student. ILOs 3 and 4 are addressed in this assignment. Assignment 2 is a hurdle and must be passed to pass the subject.
  • Examination - One written open book take-home end of semester examination (40%). ILOs 1 and 2 are addressed in the examination.

Hurdle Requirement:

  • The examination is a hurdle and must be passed to pass the subject.

 

Last updated: 3 November 2022

Dates & times

  • Semester 2
    Principal coordinatorJenny Waycott
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hours36 hours, comprising of one 3 hour lecture per week
    Total time commitment200 hours
    Teaching period24 July 2017 to 22 October 2017
    Last self-enrol date 4 August 2017
    Census date31 August 2017
    Last date to withdraw without fail22 September 2017
    Assessment period ends17 November 2017

    Semester 2 contact information

    Dr Jenny Waycott

    Email: jwaycott@unimelb.edu.au

Time commitment details

200 hours

Last updated: 3 November 2022

Further information

Last updated: 3 November 2022