Module Details

Module Code: INTR7035
Title: Human Computer Interaction
Long Title: Human Computer Interaction
NFQ Level: Intermediate
Valid From: Semester 2 - 2021/22 ( January 2022 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 5213 - Interdisciplinary Engineering
Module Delivered in: 1 programme(s)
Module Description: Computers have become pervasive in the modern world and so has the extent to which we, as humans, interact with them. The ideal user experience with such devices should be a natural, seamless, if not enjoyable, one. The topic of Human Computer Interaction (HCI) studies how people interact with computers in order to design effective, real-world interfaces with such systems. This philosophy is applied to all elements of the design, not just the functional requirements. HCI is playing a pivotal role in our journey towards ambient computing.
The topic, by its nature, is multidisciplinary and encompasses areas of study such as ergonomics, cognitive psychology, technology, computer science and sociology. Consequently, this module will develop skills, such as sourcing, reviewing and presenting current literature, while also enhancing critical thinking, problem-solving and presentation skills.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Critically examine basic human computer interaction (HCI) and user experience (UX) theories, practices and concepts.
LO2 Identify suitable design methodologies and modelling techniques for human activity to follow in order to produce effective working environments within an information system.
LO3 Design suitable interfaces for devices, based on the system requirements supplied.
LO4 Study techniques to evaluate an interface designs in terms of appearance, usability, functionality and fitness for purpose.
LO5 Review existing and peer HCI designs, in accordance with the best practice outlined in the literature, and identify aspects for potential improvement.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Human Information Processing
Differences between humans and computers, user as an information processing system, Human sensation, perception, and cognition e.g. Gestalt principles of perceptual organisation. Attention and change blindness. Human memory: short-term and long-term, explicit and implicit.
Interaction
Interaction models, ergonomics, interaction styles - classical physical reproaches, voice, gesture, 3-D, etc. Context - people interaction, motivation, system adequacy.
Design
Principles of usability, Standards and guidelines, Design patterns User-centred design, Visual Design, internationalisation.
Prototyping
Off-line rapid prototyping: Low-fidelity mock-ups - paper, storyboarding, wireframes. High-fidelity mock-ups. Wizard of Oz. On-line rapid prototyping: non-interactive/interactive simulations. Iterative prototypes tools. Evolutionary Prototypes - Seeheim / Arch models.
Product Evaluation
Usability inspection. Cognitive walk through, heuristic and review-based evaluation. Evaluating through user participation, experimental evaluation, observational Methods - e.g. think aloud, cooperative evaluation, protocol analysis, automated analysis, post-task walk-throughs.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 25
Timing Every Second Week Learning Outcomes 1,2,4,5
Assessment Description
Review of papers posted by the lecturer for review on the topics covered in formal lectures.
Assessment Type Performance Evaluation % of Total Mark 15
Timing Every Week Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4
Assessment Description
Contribution of the individual to the class in general and during group project discussions.
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 60
Timing Week 13 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Assessment Description
The student will participate in semester-long projects to design and build a prototype around a set of needs. The student will be presented with deliverables throughout the semester to develop a "functional" proof-of-concept that is presented in slides, posters, and demonstrations at the end of the semester for review.
The breakdown of the project marks are as follows: (i) 3 % Initial project proposals (ii) 6 % Refined Project proposals, (iii) 9 % Project abstract, (iv) 4 % Project review 1, (v) 8 % Project review 2, (vi) 10 % Final presentation, (vii) 20 % Final Project submission material.
The intention is that the student will complete the majority of this work during class time.
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lab Contact Delivery of theory and supervised practice associated with module Every Week 4.00 4
Independent Learning Non Contact Research and preparation for practical elements Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lab Contact Delivery of theory and supervised practice associated with module Every Week 3.00 3
Independent Learning Non Contact Review and study of material covered in class Every Week 4.00 4
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Sharp, Helen; Preece, Jenny; Rogers, Yvonne. (2019), Interaction Design: Beyond Human-Computer Interaction, 5th. John Wiley & Sons, [ISBN: 9781119547358].
Recommended Article/Paper Resources
  • X. Gong, DOI: 10.1109/ICMULT.2010.5631233.. (2010), Webpage Human Computer Interface Design, International Conference on Multimedia Technology, p.3.
  • M. M. Punt. (2016), Human-computer interaction in an integrated environment combining digital TV, mobile devices and internet, 24th Telecommunications Forum (TELFOR), p.8.
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_ESMPR_8 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Smart Product Engineering 6 Mandatory