Course Code INFC25
Main field of study Informatics; Information Systems
Course title Human–Computer Interaction, Analysis
Higher education credits (hec) 7.5
Level Basic level
Progression level G2F
Language of instruction English
This syllabus was approved by the board of the Department of Informatics on 2011-06-10, amended on 2012-05-03, 2012-06-08. It is valid from the autumn semester of 2011.
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Course objectives and content
The overall aim of the course is for the students to gain a solid general knowledge of how to evaluate and analyse different types of computer application. The course gives starting points for the design of computer applications and knowledge of values and judgements.
Usability has become an increasingly important evaluation criterion for interactive computer systems. Good usability and a positive experience of an interactive computer system now provide a crucial competitive advantage.
Human–computer interaction is the study of the design, evaluation and implementation of interactive computer systems. The purpose of the course is to give the participants a good insight into different methods for and approaches to design, methods and approaches in the evaluation of interfaces, tools, prototype methods and architectures for the implementation of interactive systems.
Learning outcomes
On completion of the course, students shall have achieved the following:
Knowledge and understanding
For a pass on the course, students must demonstrate knowledge about and understanding of K1 - different evaluation methods and conceptualisation methods
K2 - different methods in relation to an artefact that is to be redesigned K3 - the term ‘user’
K4 - ergonomic and psychological demands and requirements
K5 - different media can be integrated into different types of computer application K6 - different interaction models can be used in different types of computer application.
Skills and abilities
For a pass on the course, students must demonstrate the ability to
S1 - contribute to a system’s usability based on analyses of users’ demands and needs S2 - explain system limitations within interaction design
S3 - analyse and evaluate different types of computer application with the help of established methods.
Judgement and approach
For a pass on the course, students must demonstrate the ability to
J1 - explain and evaluate the role of the designer in interaction-related processes
J2 - evaluate the pros and cons of methods of interaction design and determine how the methods can provide a basis for the development of real-world solutions
J3 - critically evaluate methods of analysis and design of interactive systems from a user-centred perspective.
Course content
The course covers central ideas within the area of human–computer interaction, as well as theory and methods. The course also covers questions of methods that concern the planning and carrying out of studies in the context of construction/design of a program/system and the evaluation of such.
During the course, the following topics are addressed: - user-centred design
- perspectives on human–computer interfaces - design of information systems and interaction
- interaction models for different types of computer application - standards and guidelines for dialogue construction
- reflection on system development trends
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Grading scale
At the School of Economics and Management grades are awarded in accordance with a criterion-based grading scale A-U. Students have to receive a grade of E or higher in order to pass a course.
Grade Characteristic Points
(% out of maximum)
Criteria
A Excellent 85-100 A distinguished result that is excellent with regard to
the following aspects – theoretical depth, practical relevance, analytical ability and independent thought.
B Very good 75-84 A very good result with regard to the above
men-tioned aspects.
C Good 65-74 The result is of a good standard with regard to the
above mentioned aspects and lives up to expectations.
D Satisfactory 55-64 The result is of a satisfactory standard with regard to
the above mentioned aspects and lives up to expecta-tions.
E Sufficient 50-54 The result satisfies the minimum requirements with
regard to the above mentioned aspects, but not more.
U Fail 0-49 The result does not meet the minimum requirements
with regard to the above mentioned aspects.
Grading rules
Test grading
a) For tests that are gradated and given a number of credits the grading scale A-U is used in accordance with the table above.
Grading of tests where a question is missing or found incorrect:
Irrespective of the sum total of the exam credits, this sum always equals 100 percent. If a question should be incorrect or missing, the teacher must re-calculate the grade intervals, still counting the remaining questions as 100 percent.
Any decimals will be rounded off to whole numbers.
b) For tests that are gradated but not given a number of credits the grading scale A-U is used.
c) For tests that are not gradated the grading scale U-G (Fail or Pass) is used .
Final course grading
The grade calculation is based on the test grades A-E. Each letter is given a numerical value in accordance with the table below.
The test values are multiplied by the number of hec for each test and added together. The result is then divided by the total number of hec of the A-E tests, and any decimals will be rounded off to whole numbers.
This final figure indicates the final grade in the table above.
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Teaching and examination
Teaching includes lectures, workshops, supervision and laboratory exercises. Examination comprises the following required tests:
Required tests Individual alt. group work Higher education credits, hec Grades
Written exam Individual 3 A-U
Evaluation exercise Group 1.5 U-G
Design exercise Group 3 A-U
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An opportunity for retaking a test is provided a short time period after the regular examination opportunity.
Academic misconduct such as cheating, plagiarism, fabrication and falsification is considered a
serious offence in higher education (see Chapter 8 of the Higher Education Ordinance). The dis-ciplinary measures that may be taken as a result of such offences are caution or suspension for a limited period of time from the university (and all the faculties of the university).
The relation between examination and learning outcomes:
Grade Value A 15 B 14 C 13 D 12 E 11
Test Learning outcome
Written exam K3 - the term ‘user’
K4 - ergonomic and psychological demands and requirements
K6 - different interaction models can be used in different types of computer application
J1 - explain and evaluate the role of the designer in interaction-related pro-cesses
Evaluation exercise K1 - different evaluation methods and conceptualisation methods S3 - analyse and evaluate different types of computer application with the help of established methods
Design exercise K2 - different methods in relation to an artefact that is to be redesigned K5 - different media can be integrated into different types of computer ap-plication
S1 - contribute to a system’s usability based on analyses of users’ demands and needs
S2 - explain system limitations within interaction design
J2 - evaluate the pros and cons of methods of interaction design and deter-mine how the methods can provide a basis for the development of real-world solutions
J3 - critically evaluate methods of analysis and design of interactive systems from a user-centred perspective
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Specific admission requirements
Completed courses INFA16 and INFB02 or the equivalent. English B.
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Further information
The Director of the Bachelor’s Programme in Design of Information Systems has on 2011-06-01 decided that this course may be included in the programme.
The course may not be credited towards a degree together with INFC14, INFX14 or equivalent courses.
All corresponding tests on INFC14 and INFC25 may be credited between these courses.
The following rules apply when a student formerly registered on INFX14 wants to complete the course:
With three or less credits missing the student may complete on INFC14 according to the table below.
Missing from INFX14: May include from INFC14:
Written exam, 3 hp Written exam, 3 hp
Evaluation exercise, 1.5 hp Evaluation exercise, 1.5 hp
If more than three credits are missing from INFX14 the student will be registered on INFC25 and may transfer any credits from his studies on INFX14.
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Amendments
2012-05-03: General redactional changes. 2012-06-08: Change of literature.
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Reading list
Please see the appendix.READING LIST
Human–Computer Interaction: Analysis, 7.5 higher education credits
Benyon, D. (2010): Designing Interactive Systems: A Comprehensive Guide to HCI and
Interac-tion Design, 2nd ed., Addison-Wesley, ISBN 9780321435330, 680 p.