Cognitive aspects of interface design
D Eaves
4 points * 2 hours per week * First semester * Caulfield * Prerequisites: SYS2161 or SYS2168 * Prohibitions: SYS3080
Human perception: vision, colour perception and colour blindness; movement perception. Human information processing: cognitive limits on human information processing; models of human information processing; cognitive models of computer systems; superstitious behaviour and the use of computer systems; how humans learn to use computer systems. The `active user': input and output devices in the light of human skills and limitations. Data processing professionals and end users: differing psychological characteristics; the impact of extensive computing experience on interface design. Designing interfaces: the principles of systems and screen design reviewed. Guidelines for the design of interfaces, the checklist of popular design errors, where guidelines fail; why bad interfaces succeed. Testing and costing interfaces and setting interface standards: principles of testing, evaluating (and re-evaluating) test results; modifying systems after testing; modifying enterprise standards.
Assessment
Written (2000 words): 17% * Examination (3 hours): 50% * Other assessment: 33%
Prescribed texts
Apple Computer Corp. Macintosh human interface guidelines Addison-Wesley, 1994
Norman D A The design of everyday things Doubleday Currency, 1988