Cognitive aspects of interface design
D Eaves
4 points
* 2 hours per week
* First semester
* Caulfield
*
Prerequisites: SYS2161 or SYS2168
* Prohibitions: SYS3080
Objectives At the completion of this subject students should know the more important concepts of cognitive science relevant to interface design and computer system use; understand contemporary directions in the evolution of interface design; be able to design system structures and interfaces appropriate to the environment in which they will be used; and appreciate how to evaluate their own and others' interface designs.
Synopsis 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
Cooper A About face: Essentials of user interface design Programmers Press, 1995
Norman D A The design of everyday things Doubleday Currency, 1988
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