units

FIT3063

Faculty of Information Technology

Monash University

Undergraduate - Unit

This unit entry is for students who completed this unit in 2014 only. For students planning to study the unit, please refer to the unit indexes in the the current edition of the Handbook. If you have any queries contact the managing faculty for your course or area of study.

print version

6 points, SCA Band 2, 0.125 EFTSL

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered, or view unit timetables.

LevelUndergraduate
FacultyFaculty of Information Technology
OfferedClayton First semester 2014 (Day)
Caulfield Second semester 2014 (Day)
Malaysia Second semester 2014 (Day)
South Africa Second semester 2014 (Day)

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.

Outcomes

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): 50%; In-semester assessment: 50%

Chief examiner(s)

Workload requirements

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

(a.) Contact hours for on-campus students:

  • Two hours of lectures
  • One 2-hour tutorial

(b.) Additional requirements (all students):

  • A minimum of 2-3 hours of personal study per one hour of contact time in order to satisfy the reading and assignment expectations.

This unit applies to the following area(s) of study

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: