Academic Handbook Course Descriptors and Programme Specifications
LCSCI6207 Human Computer Interaction Course Descriptor
Course code | LCSCI6207 | Discipline | Computer & Data Science |
UK credit | 15 | US credit | 4 |
FHEQ level | 6 | Date approved | November 2022 |
Core attributes | None | ||
Pre-requisites | LCSCI5205 Object-Oriented Design OR LDSCI5206 Advanced Programming with Data | ||
Co-requisites | None |
Course Overview
Studies the principles of human-computer interaction (HCI) and the practice of user interface design. Discusses the major human information processing subsystems (perception, memory, attention, and problem solving), and how the properties of these systems influence the design of interactive systems. Reviews guidelines and specification languages for designing user interfaces, with an emphasis on tool kits of standard graphical user interface (GUI) objects. Introduces usability metrics and evaluation methods. Additional topics may include World Wide Web design principles and tools; wireless/mobile device interfaces; computer-supported cooperative work; information visualisation; and virtual reality. Course work includes designing user interfaces, creating working prototypes using a GUI tool kit, and evaluating existing interfaces using the methods studied.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
Knowledge and Understanding
K1c | Demonstrate detailed knowledge and systematic understanding of fundamental concepts and principles underlying HCI. |
K2c | Demonstrate detailed knowledge of human factors necessary to assess the effectiveness of a user interface. |
K3c | Identify strengths and weaknesses in design choices for HCI. |
Subject Specific Skills
S1c | Apply appropriate HCI concepts and techniques in the design of a user interface. |
S2c | Develop an effective graphical computer interface using prototypes, usability testing and iterative design processes. |
S3c | Articulate reasoning behind HCI design decisions. |
Transferable and Employability Skills
T1c | Constructively critique and assess interactive systems. |
T3c | Display an advanced level of technical proficiency in written English and competence in applying scholarly terminology, so as to be able to apply skills in critical evaluation, analysis and judgement effectively in a diverse range of contexts. |
Teaching and Learning
This course has a dedicated Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) page with a syllabus and range of additional resources (e.g. readings, question prompts, tasks, assignment briefs, discussion boards) to orientate and engage students in their studies.
The scheduled teaching and learning activities for this course are:
Lectures/labs. 40 scheduled hours – typically including induction, consolidation or revision, and assessment activity hours:
- Version 1:All sessions in the same sized group, or
- Version 2: most of the sessions in larger groups; some of the sessions in smaller groups
Faculty hold regular ‘office hours’, which are opportunities for students to drop in or sign up to explore ideas, raise questions, or seek targeted guidance or feedback, individually or in small groups.
Students are to attend and participate in all the scheduled teaching and learning activities for this course and to manage their directed learning and independent study.
Indicative total learning hours for this course: 150
Assessment
Both formative and summative assessment are used as part of this course, with purely formative opportunities typically embedded within interactive teaching sessions, office hours, and/or the VLE.
Summative Assessments
AE: | Assessment Activity | Weighting
(%) |
Duration | Length
(words) |
1 | Set Exercises | 40 | 24-32 hours | |
2 | Written Assignment | 40 | 2,500 | |
3 | Presentation | 20 | 15 min. |
Further information about the assessments can be found in the Course Syllabus.
Feedback
Students will receive formative and summative feedback in a variety of ways, written (e.g. marked up on assignments, through email or the VLE) or oral (e.g. as part of interactive teaching sessions or in office hours).
Indicative Reading
Note: Comprehensive and current reading lists are produced annually in the Course Syllabus or other documentation provided to students; the indicative reading list provided below is for a general guide and part of the approval/modification process only.
- Donald Norman. 2013. The Design of Everyday Things. MIT Press.
- Alan Cooper. 2014. About Face: The Essentials of Interaction Design, Wiley.
- David Benyon. 2014. Designing Interactive Systems, Third Edition. Pearson.
- Jenifer Tidwill. 2020. Designing Interfaces: Patterns for Effective Interaction Design. O′Reilly.
Indicative Topics
Note: Comprehensive and current topics for courses are produced annually in the Course Syllabus or other documentation provided to students; the indicative topics provided below are used as a general guide and part of the approval/modification process only.
- Human factors
- HCI design
- Evaluation of user interfaces
Title: LCSCI6207 Human Computer Interaction
Approved by: Academic Board Location: academic-handbook/programme-specifications-and-handbooks/undergraduate-programmes |
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Version number | Date approved | Date published | Owner | Proposed next review date | Modification (as per AQF4) & category number |
1.0 | November 2022 | January 2023 | Dr Alexandros Koliousis | November 2027 |