Module Details

Module Code: MMED9029
Title: Proto Services and Interfaces
Long Title: Prototyping Services and Interfaces
NFQ Level: Expert
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2023/24 ( September 2023 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 2130 - Multimedia
Module Delivered in: 2 programme(s)
Module Description: This module will introduce learners to prototyping methods for creating digital products and services. Students will employ a range of tools and techniques to develop concepts and low-to-medium fidelity prototypes (e.g. sketches, wireframes, storyboards, customer journey maps) based on a provided brief. Project work will focus on mapping out user journey with and through a product/service, as well as creating iterations and redesigns of interfaces and service experiences using industry-standard tools (e.g. Figma, Adobe XD, Miro).
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Develop a solution around the needs and pain points of an identified user group through ideation, design, and research activities.
LO2 Critique the use and application of state-of-the-art and best practice prototyping methods and approaches for interfaces and services.
LO3 Design low-to-high fidelity prototypes to represent and iterate between solutions.
LO4 Utilise industry-standard tools and software to develop low-to-medium fidelity prototypes.
LO5 Reflect on the outcomes of the prototyping activities and discuss merits and drawbacks of approach taken.
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
Theory
Students will engage with content on prototyping techniques, approaches, theory, and state-of-the-art research. Topics will include the purposes of prototyping, selecting an appropriate prototype method, and frameworks for evaluating prototypes.
Practical
Through practice-based labs, students will learn how to use the required tools and software programmes to create digital prototypes for both interfaces and services. Learners will be taught the technical competencies required to use these tools, as well being introduced to the principles of user interface design and graphical layout.
Critique
Students will engage in a reflective exercise to examine and critique the outcomes of their prototyping work through a written report/ video submission.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 10
Timing Week 4 Learning Outcomes 1
Assessment Description
Design and describe a user-centred solution (i.e. a product or service) in response to a project brief. Define the scope of the problem statement and present evidence of ideation towards multiple potential solutions (e.g. sketches, brainstorms). Select one solution to develop further, and provide rationale for this selection.
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 70
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 2,3,4
Assessment Description
Create and develop a series of low-to-high fidelity prototypes. Provide evidence of the iteration and development of these prototypes through sketches, wireframes, photographs, videos, etc. Offer brief discussion of the context and meaning of each prototype through annotation and/or an accompanying document.
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 20
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 5
Assessment Description
Produce a report to reflect on outcomes and experience of creating the prototype. Critique the prototypes in the context of the defined problem statement. Discuss alternative approaches, future work, and potential next steps.
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 Lectures will present prototyping tools, methods, and strategies. Students will also be given the opportunity to avail of individual guidance on their projects through one-to-one sessions. Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Study of theory examined in class and development of project work. Every Week 5.00 5
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 2.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lab Contact Lectures will present prototyping tools, methods, and strategies. Students will also be given the opportunity to avail of individual guidance on their projects through one-to-one sessions. Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Study of theory examined in class and development of project work. Every Week 5.00 5
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 2.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Marc Stickdorn, Adam Lawrence, Markus Hormess and Jakob Schneider.. (2018), This is Service Design Doing, [ISBN: 9781491927137].
  • Jenifer Tidwell. (2011), Designing Interfaces : Patterns for Effective Interaction Design, [ISBN: 9781449379704].
  • Elvis Canziba. (2018), Hands-On UX Design for Developers : Design, Prototype, and Implement Compelling User Experiences from Scratch, [ISBN: 9781788626699].
  • Steve Krug. (2013), Don't Make Me Think, Revisited: A Common Sense Approach to Web Usability, 3rd. [ISBN: 9780133597271].
  • Kim Goodwin. (2009), Designing for the Digital Age: How to Create Human-Centered Products and Services, [ISBN: 9780470229101].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • A. Pirhonen... [et al.], eds.. (2005), Future interaction design, [ISBN: 1852337915].
  • Jesse James Garrett. (2003), The Elements of user experience, [ISBN: 0735712026].
  • Elizabeth Resnick. (2003), Design for communication, Wiley Hoboken, N.J., [ISBN: 0471418293].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_HUXSE_9 Master of Arts in User Experience and Service Design 2 Mandatory
CR_HUXSR_9 Master of Science in User Experience and Service Design 2 Mandatory