Monash University Handbook 2010 Undergraduate - Unit

Level	Undergraduate
Faculty	Faculty of Information Technology
Offered	Caulfield Second semester 2010 (Day) Sunway Second semester 2010 (Day) South Africa Second semester 2010 (Day)
Coordinator(s)	Dr Judithe Sheard (Caulfield); Ms Mylini Munusamy (Malaysia); Ms Stella Ouma (South Africa)

Synopsis

This unit provides a detailed understanding of the underpinning theories, principles and practices of interface design for computer-based systems. It examines issues in the design of system interfaces from a number of perspectives: user, programmer, designer. It explores the application of the relevant theories in practice. The unit will cover topics such as methods and tools for developing effective user interfaces, evaluation methods such as the conduct of usability and heuristic evaluations, design of appropriate interface elements including the design of menus and other interaction styles. The unit will also focus on designing for a diverse range of users and environments.

Objectives

At the completion of this unit students will have -
A knowledge and understanding of:

• the underpinning theories relevant to HCI;
• the principles and practices of HCI in designing user interfaces;
• the importance and role of usability and evaluation in systems design;
• the issues relating to user diversity, different types of systems, interaction styles, devices and environments.

Developed attitudes that enable them to:

• appreciate the development of systems from a user perspective;
• differentiate between good HCI practice in systems development from other development practices;
• formulate attitudes which enable them to interact effectively with users;
• empathise with all users particularly those with specific needs.

Gained practical skills to:

• recognise the principles of HCI design required in systems development;
• gather user requirements effectively;
• design an effective user interface;
• conduct appropriate evaluation of systems from a HCI perspective and interpret the outcome.

Demonstrated the communication skills necessary to:

• work in teams to complete assessment tasks;
• empathise with users particularly those with some form of disability.

Assessment

Examination (3 hours): 60%; In-semester assessment: 40%

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Judithe Sheard

Contact hours

2 hrs lectures/wk, 2 hrs laboratories/wk

Prerequisites

One of FIT2001, FIT2027, IMS2805, CSE2200 or equivalent

Prohibitions

CSE3030, FIT2016, FIT3033, GCO3814, IMS2403, IMS3470, MMS2403

Additional information on this unit is available from the faculty at:

http://www.infotech.monash.edu.au/units/fit3063/