This class aims at familiarizing students with both the theory behind the discipline of Human Computer Interaction (HCI) and the practical process of User eXperience (UX) design. Students not only develop an awareness and appreciation of the crucial implications of good interfaces in terms of overall system performance and user satisfaction, but also learn core skills needed in order to identify user requirements, envision interfaces and processes, and evaluate competing design options. Students will work in small teams of 3-5 to drive a design project from start to finish. Core skills are introduced in hands-on classes, interspersed with lectures and discussions about the underlying theory.
Contents
Definitions and Formalisms;
User requirement Gathering and Analysis;
Focus Groups, Interviews and Questionnaires;
Scenario Based Approach;
Interface Design;
Use of Metaphors and Models;
Mock-ups and Prototypes;
Evaluation Techniques:
Heuristic vs. Empirical;
Formative Evaluation.
Teaching Mode
Students will be encouraged to take an active role and explore the importance of HCI on software design, development, testing and evaluation. Classes will alternate traditional lecture based ones with problem based learning sessions when students will be working in small groups to find solutions to problems generated by poor interface design.
References
The course textbook is
- The UX Book: Process and Guidelines for Ensuring a Quality User Experience; Rex Hartson and Pardha Pyla; Morgan Kaufmann, 2012, ISBN: 0123852412.
However, students are encouraged to also look at other textbooks in his area, including:
- Carroll, J., M. (2002) Human-computer interaction in the new millennium, Addison Wesley
- Carroll, J., M. (2003) HCI Models, Theories, and Frameworks: Toward a Multidisciplinary Science (Interactive Technologies)
- Lazar J. Dr.. (2007) Universal Usability: Designing Computer Interfaces for Diverse User Populations, John Wiley and Sons.
- Raskin J. (2000) The Humane Interface: New Directions for Designing Interactive Systems, ACM Press.
- Shneiderman, B., Plaisant, C. (2004) Designing the User Interface: Strategies for Effective Human-Computer Interaction; Addison-Wesley, 1987. Fourth edition with Catherine Plaisant as co-author 2004.
Students are strongly encouraged to use online sources and journals, starting from the very extensive HCI bibliography web site, www.hcibib.org/ by Gary Perlman. It is highly recommended to browse USI library looking at the HCI dedicated shelf, Dewey code 004.019 where students will find all relevant textbooks. Lecturer will point at additional relevant papers for students to read and discuss weekly in class.
Editions
Class | Semester | Instructor | Teaching Assistant(s) |
---|---|---|---|
UX Design 2018 | Fall | ||
UX Design 2017 | Fall | ||
HCI Design 2016 | Fall | Anastasia Giachanou
▫ Evangelos Niforatos | |
HCI Design 2015 | Fall | ||
HCI Design 2014 | Spring | ||
HCI Design 2013 | Spring | Marco Pasch
▫
Vasilis Triglianos | |
HCI Design 2012 | Spring | Marco Pasch | |
HCI Design 2011 | Spring | Marco Pasch |
USI Search Directory: http://search.usi.ch/courses?q=User+Experience+Design