FIT5152 - User interface design and usability - 2017

6 points, SCA Band 2, 0.125 EFTSL

Postgraduate - Unit

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

Faculty

Information Technology

Unit guides

Offered

Caulfield

  • Second semester 2017 (Day)

Malaysia

  • Second semester 2017 (Evening)

South Africa

  • Second semester 2017 (Day)

Synopsis

This unit provides detailed understanding of user interaction design theories, principles and practices and usability for web based systems and small screen devices. The unit examines issues in interaction design and usability from various perspectives, in particular the user experience. The unit includes how to achieve more effective design during systems development, tools and techniques for understanding users better and the application of these to designing web and small screen device systems. It explores contemporary issues including the challenges faced by designers with emerging technologies.

Outcomes

At the completion of the unit, students should be able to:

  1. use and explain HCI theories, principles and guidelines;
  2. identify and analyse the elements, controls and constraints of effective user interfaces in different platforms;
  3. design and justify a useful and usable interface by applying user-centred design principles;
  4. critically evaluate and assess a user interface and provide recommendations.

Assessment

Examination (2 hours): 50%; In-semester assessment: 50%

Workload requirements

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

  1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
    • 2 hours of lectures
    • One 1.5-hour laboratory
  2. Study schedule for off-campus students:
    • Off-campus students generally do not attend lecture and tutorial sessions, however should plan to spend equivalent time working through the relevant resources and participating in discussion groups each week.
  3. Additional requirements (all students):
    • A minimum of 8 hours independent study per week for completing lab and project work, private study and revision.

See also Unit timetable information

Chief examiner(s)

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

Prohibitions

FIT4063, IMS5302, CSE5930

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