Content

The content discussed here makes up the first semester of a two-semester unit, for which the whole title is: HCI, Computers and Society. Only the HCI part of the course is covered in this portfolio.

Learning Outcomes (from unit document)

• deploy human factors principles in the analysis and evaluation of computer systems
• apply user-centred practice in the analysis and evaluation of software systems

The unit provides a user-centred approach to the implementation and evaluation of technological systems, introducing some of the physiological and cognitive issues relevant to human-computer interaction and user interface design, together with user-centred tools and techniques for analysing, designing, implementing and evaluating user interfaces.

My interpretation - content

• a theoretical grounding
  • users
  • perception, cognition, learning
  • user analysis, user modelling
• analytical skills and tools
  • methods for task analysis & design
  • heuristics, cognitive walk-through
  • HTA, state transition diagrams
• evaluation & research skills

Student activities

• doing usability analysis
• doing usability evaluation and research through a small user study

both achieved through completion of the coursework assignment (see Assessment)