COMP7505A - User interface design and development

Semester 2, 2017-18

Instructor
Professor Bebo White
Teaching assistant
Mr. Leo Lim
Syllabus For technology products and services, the user experience is a major key to success. With advanced development of processors, sensors, and new algorithms and software tools, more powerful and expressive user interfaces can be implemented to improve human computer interaction and operation. The course will study matching input and output devices with user capabilities, software and hardware considerations, interface design methodologies, and future interface technologies. All of these topics will be supported and demonstrated with current research and actual case studies.
Introduction by Instructor User interface design is one of the most active and exciting research and development areas in computer science. As IT becomes more pervasive in every aspect of day-to-day life, interaction efficiency becomes more critical. Interaction design is not easy – it incorporates not only technology but also aspects of many other diverse disciplines such as psychology and sociology. In this course we will explore the evolution of user interface design and development from the early days of the computer age to the challenges faced by designers with the implementation of new technologies and applications. New interaction methods and hardware will be examined and analyzed/evaluated using research papers and journal articles, case studies (e.g., augmented reality/Google Glass and gestural interaction/Microsoft Kinect), and patent applications. The role of user interaction design in cloud-based systems, embedded sensor environments, the Internet of Things (IOT), mobile systems, and data visualization/analytics will be discussed. All students will complete this course with an appreciation of the role of interaction design in the development of computer-based systems, the interaction design process, and how to prepare for future human-computer interaction technologies.
Learning Outcomes
Course Learning Outcomes Relevant Programme Learning Outcomes
CLO1. To develop an interface design point of view – a capacity for analysing interaction problems on a technical, a cognitive, and a functional basis. PLO.1, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 16
CLO2. To learn (and practice) techniques for the design, prototyping, and evaluation of interfaces. PLO.5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 16
CLO3. To understand the future direction of user interface design and human-computer interaction and what interfaces of the future might require. PLO.1, .4, 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15
CLO4. To develop a framework for future study in the fields of user interface design and human-computer interaction. PLO.2, .3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15
View Programme Learning Outcomes
Pre-requisites Students are expected to be familiar with the fundamentals of GUI (graphical user interface) elements either in the design of programming applications or in Web implementations.
Compatibility Nil
Topics covered
Course Content No. of Hours Course Learning Outcomes
1.Introduction and history of user interface design and human-computer interaction 2 CLO1, CLO3
2.Fundamental concepts in user interface design and development; “The Model Human Computer (MHC);” 2 CLO1
3.The role of interaction design in the software development process 2 CLO2, CLO3
4.Agile interface design, interaction prototyping and testing 2 CLO1, CLO2
5.User-centered design vs. goal-centered design 2 CLO1, CLO2
6.Interface evaluation using heuristics 2 CLO2
7.Incorporating user experience into user interaction design 3 CLO2, CLO3
8.Static interfaces, dynamic interfaces, and negotiable interfaces 3 CLO1, CLO3
9.Adaptable interfaces in the age of BYOD (“Bring Your Own Device”) 2 CLO3, CLO4
10.Modeling “rich user interfaces/interaction;” 2 CLO3, CLO4
11.The scope and goals of accessible interface design 2 CLO2, CLO4
12.The impact of online social networks/media on user interaction design 2 CLO3, CLO4
13.Beyond the MHC – augmented reality, gestural interfaces, voice systems, biometrics, touch interfaces, neural interactions, ubiquitous systems, etc 3 CLO3, CLO4
 
Assessment
Description Type Weighting * Examination Period ^ Course Learning Outcomes
Student participation in class and in online forums Continuous Assessment 10% - CLO1
Midterm examination Continuous Assessment 20% - CLO2
Final examination Written Examination 30% May 7 to 26, 2018 CLO1
Research project Continuous Assessment 40%   CLO2
* The weighting of coursework and examination marks is subject to approval
^ The exact examination date uses to be released when all enrolments are confirmed after add/drop period by the Examinations Office.  Students must oblige to the examination schedule. Students should NOT enrol in the course if they are not certain that they will be in Hong Kong during the examination period.  Absent from examination may result in failure in the course. There is no supplementary examination for all MSc curriculums in the Faculty of Engineering.

For reference:
Course materials Prescribed textbook:
  • Designing the User Interface: Strategies for Effective Human-Computer Interaction (6th Edition); Schneiderman et. al.; Pearson; 2017
Session dates
Date Time Venue Remark
Session 1 11 Mar 2018 (Sun) 9:30am - 12:30pm CB-C  
Session 2 11 Mar 2018 (Sun) 2:30pm - 5:30pm CB-C  
Session 3 14 Mar 2018 (Wed) 7:00pm - 10:00pm LE-8  
Session 4 17 Mar 2018 (Sat) 7:00pm - 10:00pm CB-C  
Session 5 18 Mar 2018 (Sun) 9:30am - 12:30pm CB-C  
Session 6 18 Mar 2018 (Sun) 2:30pm - 5:30pm CB-C  
Session 7 20 Mar 2018 (Tue) 7:00pm - 10:00pm LE-8  
Session 8 24 Mar 2018 (Sat) 7:00pm - 10:00pm CB-C  
Session 9 25 Mar 2018 (Sun) 9:30am - 12:30pm CB-C  
Session 10 25 Mar 2018 (Sun) 2:30pm - 5:30pm CB-C  
CB - Chow Yei Ching Building LE - Library Extension Building
Add/drop 15 January, 2018 - 11 March, 2018
Quota 100
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