Human Computer Interaction, 2nd. Edition, Dix, Finlay, Abowd and Beale Prentice Hall 1998 ISBN 0-13-239864-8
Human Computer Interaction Preece et. al. Addison Wesley 1994 ISBN 0-201-62769-8

Examination 50% - 2 hours unseen examination (Learning outcomes 1, 2 and 4).
Assignment 50% - students will research a suitable multi-user application, analyse the requirements for an improved system using suitable tools and methods and design a suitable user interface which they will prototype. A report (approx 2,500 words) will be required which will critically evaluate the prototype against its stated requirements. The assignment will typically be carried out in small groups to reinforce the problems and requirements of group working environments. (Learning outcomes 2, 3 and 4).

You will study the characteristics of human users of computers both as individuals and in group situations. There will be an emphasis on computer supported cooperative work and groupware which will require looking at issues of how people communicate and achieve common understanding. We will consider how interposing technology into human work activity can both enhance and degrade communication and discuss the role of interfaces from these perspectives. The role of multi-sensory systems will be discussed. Modelling and design methods will be considered, for example Design Rationale techniques, and we will look at the basis and justification for such techniques. We will also examine techniques for evaluating systems from the viewpoint of users of a range of abilities.

Lectures will introduce key topics and underpinning knowledge. Practical/tutorial sessions will give hands-on experience of key techniques and will allow students to explore various aspects of the subject in preparation for the assignment. Surgeries will be offered to provide additional support as deemed appropriate. Normally one lecture and two practical/tutorial sessions per week. Background material and other sources will be accessed and researched both via the WWW and library resources.

Lecture (1:n) Tutorial/Practical (1:25)2

Access to the WWW, suitable prototyping and presentational software such as Visual Basic, DreamWeaver, PowerPoint etc.

Prior study of the Applied HCI module (CE52401-2) or equivalent