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Evaluating the User Experience (INFO90004)

Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

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Semester 1
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User Experience (UX) means the way we respond to technology, including our practical, intellectual, emotional and affective responses. UX is widely recognised as a major determinant of successful technology outcomes, and it provides the design inspiration behind some of the most successful innovations in digital technologies that define the present era. This subject concerns the methods and techniques that are used to identify what characterises UX and how you can recognise, measure and evaluate it in a variety of contexts. This entails a deep understanding of the psychological and social theories underlying UX, combined with practical knowledge of the various industry methods and tools currently in use. In terms of practice, an emphasis is placed on learning the skills needed to design, justify and conduct appropriate evaluations, and the interpretation of findings. In terms of theory, special emphasis is placed on how to identify and evaluate the various facets of UX, across a range of social and work-based settings, and across a range of technologies.

Intended learning outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

  • Demonstrate (through practical assessment) the ability to choose from a broad range of technology evaluation methods in terms of their strengths and limits
  • Have an understanding of the different types of data for UX evaluation and how to interpret them, including field observations, interviews, automated use-logs, measurements of errors and efficacy
  • Be able to apply knowledge of the contemporary tools and environments (including those of the industry-standard usability-testing laboratory) for the purpose of evaluating interactive systems
  • Be able to interpret and analyse evaluation data to inform further design and development.

Last updated: 3 November 2022

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

One of the following:

COMP90041 Programming and Software Development, ISYS90088 Introduction to Application Development or ISYS90026 Fundamentals of Information Systems

Corequisites

None

Non-allowed subjects

ISYS90085 Interaction Design and Usability or SINF90002 Interaction Design and Usability

Recommended background knowledge

Students are expected to have basic proficiency in computing, and familiarity with interactive technologies.

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

Assignment 1 – Evaluation Plan: Group project (3-4 students) to develop an evaluation plan for a given interactive technology. (1000 - 1500 words – 10%) and a presentation (10 minutes – 5%), requiring approximately 15 hours of work per student. Due in week 4. (15%). Addressing Intended Learning Outcomes 1, 2 and 3.

Assignment 2 – Evaluation Report: Group project (3-4 students) to collect and analyse data to evaluate the usability of a given interactive technology. Students will present their evaluation methods and findings in a written report (2000 to 3000 words) and group presentation (10 minutes), requiring approximately 25 hours of work per student. Due in week 10. (35%). Addressing ILO 2 and 4.

Assignment 3 – Critical Review: Individual report (3500 words) that reviews and contrasts benefits/limitations of different evaluation methods, requiring approximately 20 hours of work. Due second week of examination. (50%). Addressing ILO 1 and 2.

Last updated: 3 November 2022

Dates & times

  • Semester 1
    Principal coordinatorMartin Gibbs
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hours
    Total time commitment200 hours
    Teaching period26 February 2018 to 27 May 2018
    Last self-enrol date 9 March 2018
    Census date31 March 2018
    Last date to withdraw without fail 4 May 2018
    Assessment period ends22 June 2018

Time commitment details

200 hours

Last updated: 3 November 2022

Further information

  • Texts

    Prescribed texts

    There are no specifically prescribed or recommended texts for this subject.

Last updated: 3 November 2022