User Interface Design
15 Credits
Module code: COMP1773
Level: 5
Credits: 15
School: Liberal Arts and Sciences
Department: Computing and Mathematical Sci.
Module Coordinator(s): Fotios Spyridonis
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Pre and co requisites
Basic knowledge of programming or web development tools
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Aims
The main aims of this course are to:
Provide students with a fundamental understanding of the current theories, practices and principles of user interface design and evaluation.
Provide students with the knowledge of how user-centred design helps to build user interfaces which are accessible, easy to learn and friendly to use.
Enable students to gain an appreciation of the concepts of colour theory, font terminology, layout and graphic design elements in terms of visual user interface design.
In addition, the course aims to equip students with an appreciation of Ethical, Legal, Social & Professional Issues. Specifically, the course aims to enable students to:
• understand and apply the ethical and social implications of policies and legal standards plus the professional standards and codes of conduct to the design of user interfaces;
• appreciate the impact of user interfaces on the individual and society.
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Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course a student will be able to:
Identify and discuss the issues, principles and practices involved in developing and evaluating interfaces for interactive applications
Demonstrate an awareness of human-computer interface standards and guidelines
Select and apply appropriate principles, concepts and models within a user-centred design process for the development and evaluation of interactive system interfaces
Propose and design solutions that are suitable to different users and contexts
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Indicative Content
HCI context; Principles of graphical user interfaces (GUIs); Managing design processes for user-centred design; User research and user personas; Ideation and prototyping; Information Architecture; Standards, guidelines, principles and theories; Design patterns; Designing for different devices; Evaluating interface designs (e.g. usability, heuristics); Interface visual design (e.g. colour, fonts, layout) and interaction methods; Accessibility design; Contemporary and emergent interactive technologies (e.g. touch, speech, VR).
Furthermore, the course aims to help students develop their personal and professional skills. In particular, the course aims to enable students to:
• develop key cognitive skills with respect to relating theoretical concepts to practical implementations;
• develop key transferable skills in problem solving and decision making; communication skills; working with others and working to deadlines;
• present work in a variety of ways including a report and presentations.
Teaching and learning activity
Concepts will be introduced in lectures and practical exercises and problem solving will be done through tutorials and labs. Online material and communications (both individual and group) will also be utilised. Student time will be: Lecture 1/3, Tutorial 1/3, and Laboratory 1/3
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Assessment
Details of Summative Assessment:
Method of assessment: Individual Coursework
Outcomes assessed:1,2,3,4
Grading Mode (e.g. pass/ fail; %): %
Weighting % :100
Passmark: 40
Outline Details: Development and evaluation of a User Interface prototype for given specification.
Nature of FORMATIVE assessment supporting student learning:
Students will have the opportunity to submit an Interim report. Feedback will be provided. The students can then use the feedback to improve their work and submit it for summative assessment. Formative feedback will also be provided in the labs and tutorials.