CSC3721 : Introduction to Human-Computer Interaction
- Offered for Year: 2020/21
- Module Leader(s): Dr Ahmed Kharrufa
- Teaching Assistant: Mr Chris Napier
- Owning School: Computing
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 10 |
| ECTS Credits: | 5.0 |
Aims
To give a basic introduction to concepts of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)
To introduce students to relevant HCI theory and history
To introduce students to the principles of user-centred design
To give students an understanding of the role of human factors in systems design
To provide students with an understanding of relevant interface evaluation techniques
Outline Of Syllabus
- Key concepts and issues in HCI
- Theories and history of HCI
- Understanding users
- Human factors
- Requirements engineering
- Design
- Principles, standards and guidelines
- Input and output technologies
- Designing interactions
- Prototyping
- Evaluation techniques for usability
Teaching Methods
Please note that module leaders are reviewing the module teaching and assessment methods for Semester 2 modules, in light of the Covid-19 restrictions. There may also be a few further changes to Semester 1 modules. Final information will be available by the end of August 2020 in for Semester 1 modules and the end of October 2020 for Semester 2 modules.
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 9 | 1:00 | 9:00 | Combination of short recordings of lec materials, slides and/or text published on VLE each week |
| Guided Independent Study | Directed research and reading | 9 | 2:00 | 18:00 | Reading of weekly research papers, web resources, or external videos |
| Structured Guided Learning | Academic skills activities | 9 | 2:00 | 18:00 | Combination of activity sheets materials and short recordings published on VLE each week |
| Structured Guided Learning | Structured non-synchronous discussion | 9 | 1:00 | 9:00 | Student engagement in online non-synch discussions & getting feedback on responses to Q&A |
| Guided Independent Study | Project work | 33 | 1:00 | 33:00 | Coursework prep and completion |
| Guided Independent Study | Reflective learning activity | 9 | 1:00 | 9:00 | Reflecting on weeks learning and when applicable writing reflective accounts for coursework |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Scheduled on-line contact time | 4 | 1:00 | 4:00 | Bi weekly option for online live discussion /Q&A re topics covered |
| Total | 100:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Online lecture material (short videos, slides and/or text) will be used to introduce the learning material and for demonstrating the key concepts by example.
Students are expected to engage with the provided material by annotating lecture notes to aid deep learning. Students will also be expected to follow a weekly programme of directed reading in support of the lectures and activities.
Students are expected to spend significant time on coursework.
Students are expected to widen their knowledge beyond the content of lecture notes through wider self-directed background reading.
Structured guided activities supported by asynchronous online discussions to request and receive feedback on responses to these activities will develop skills through hands-on experience of user research, prototyping, and evaluation techniques
Assessment Methods
Please note that module leaders are reviewing the module teaching and assessment methods for Semester 2 modules, in light of the Covid-19 restrictions. There may also be a few further changes to Semester 1 modules. Final information will be available by the end of August 2020 in for Semester 1 modules and the end of October 2020 for Semester 2 modules.
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Design/Creative proj | 1 | M | 100 | Navigation & information design diagram(20%). Interactive prototype(60%). Report (10 entries ~200 words/entry-20%) |
Formative Assessments
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practical/lab report | 1 | M | Students given feedback on weekly activities to develop practical skills- work presented during asynch time with formative feedback |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The report-based coursework assess students' practical skills in conducting the human-centred design and human factors-based appraisals of interactive digital systems. The assessment consists an individual report in which students submit an interactive prototype for their design. The report must also include brief accounts of some of the required readings and the practical session activities. This report along with the expert and peer evaluations in to be carried out as part of practical activities will ensure that students have hands-on experience in a user- centred and iterative design process. This develops their prototyping and design skills, as well as skills at evaluating and critiquing an interface. The accounts of some of the required reading and practical activities should be done during the semester thus distributing the workload throughout the module. It ensures that students critically engage with research papers and practical activities that complement the material covered in the module. The hands-on practical nature of human computer interaction practice necessitates a coursework-based evaluation, rather than a written exam.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- CSC3721's Timetable