Computer Engineering BA (C), Human-computer Interaction, 6 credits

Aim

Usability has become an increasingly important criterion for the evaluation of interactive systems. Good usability and positive user experience are paramount for a successful interactive system. Through this course you will gain skills in a variety of methods and tools for design, development and evaluation of interactive systems.

Course objectives

After finishing this course the student should be able to
• define fundamental terms in the area of interaction design,
• describe and use user-centered methods for developing and evaluating interactive systems,
• analyze methods using different theories and models,
• combine different methods or parts thereof to reach his or her own goals,
• evaluate his or her choice of method and make suggestions for improvements, and
• regard ethical aspects of research.

Content

• User-centered design and development
• Usability, user interfaces (UI), and user experience (UX)
• Usability tests
• Data collection and analysis
• Design principles
• The design process
• Conceptualization and cognition
• Social and emotional interaction
• Accessibility for interactive systems

Entry requirements

90 Credits from previous courses, including one course in Programming and one course in Oral and Written Communication.

Selection rules and procedures

The selection process is in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance and the local order of admission.

Teaching form

The course consists of approximately 10% lectures, 10% laboratory exercises, 5% exercise sessions, 5% seminars. The remaining 70% is devoted to studying without supervision, preparation for the laboratory exercises and seminars, and the project assignment which is carried out in a group with other students. The exact distribution is subject to change should the available resources change.

The course starts off with lectures and is closely followed by laboratory exercises in which existing interactive systems are evaluated. The project assignment which is carried out in a group with other students is thereafter started, supported by the exercise sessions which simultaneously acts as tutoring sessions while also presenting practical examples for different methods related to the design process. Seminars are also held where current interactive systems and their design principles are discussed. The course finishes with an oral and written presentation of the project assignment.

The course may be given in Swedish or English.

Examination form

L103: Laboratory work, 1.5 Credits
Grade scale: Two-grade scale
Written and oral examination, and seminars

P103: Project, 4.5 Credits
Grade scale: Seven-grade scale, A-F o Fx
Written documentation and oral presentation. Includes active participation in mandatory project meetings.

Grading criteria for the subject can be found at www.miun.se/gradingcriteria.

The examiner has the right to offer alternative examination arrangements to students who have been granted the right to special support by Mid Sweden University’s disabilities adviser.

Grading system

Seven-grade scale, A-F o Fx