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CM50282: Theory of human computer interaction

[Page last updated: 02 August 2022]

Academic Year: 2022/23
Owning Department/School: Department of Computer Science
Credits: 6 [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
Notional Study Hours: 120
Level: Masters UG & PG (FHEQ level 7)
Period:
Semester 2
Assessment Summary: CW 100%
Assessment Detail:
  • Coursework 1 (CW 40%)
  • Coursework 2 (CW 60%)
Supplementary Assessment:
Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Requisites: This unit is only available to apprentices on the Level 7 Digital and Technology Solution Specialist Apprenticeship
Learning Outcomes: The students should be able to understand human computer interaction theory, be aware of interaction design issues and be able to carry out different types of evaluation. They should be able to challenge and recognize advances in the state of the art in human computer interaction research. They should also be able to develop research programmes to overcome problems in usability research, development and evaluation.

Aims: To give the students an advanced level of understanding of current theoretical, methodological and practical research issues and trends in human computer interaction. To raise the students' awareness of usability, how it can be achieved and measured. To teach the students the relevant knowledge and skills related to usability design and evaluation. To give the students experience of researching advanced HCI topics, summarising the current state of the art, undertaking a relevant study and presenting the results.

Skills: Problem solving T/F, A
Working with others T/F, A
Can reason analytically and scientifically about taught material T/F, A
Can research, summarise and cogently debate state of the art literature T/F, A.

Content: What is usability? What aspects of humans need to be considered in user centred design? What is effective, useful and engaging interaction design? Participatory design and the role of the end user. Different approaches to evaluation - analytical, discount, formal etc. Evaluating affect, emotion and engagement. Theories of collaboration and the design of groupware. Child-computer interaction, accessibility, mobile and pervasive designs, creativity support tools, intelligent and autonomous systems.

Programme availability:

CM50282 is Optional on the following programmes:

Department of Computer Science

Notes:

  • This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2022/23 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2023/24 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2022/23.
  • Programmes and units are subject to change in accordance with normal University procedures.
  • Availability of units will be subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.
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