CM2101: Human Computer Interaction
| School | Cardiff School of Computer Science and Informatics |
| Department Code | COMSC |
| Module Code | CM2101 |
| External Subject Code | 100736 |
| Number of Credits | 10 |
| Level | L5 |
| Language of Delivery | English |
| Module Leader | Dr Alia Abdelmoty |
| Semester | Spring Semester |
| Academic Year | 2024/5 |
Outline Description of Module
This module introduces the principles and concepts of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) to enable the design of multimodal systems that effectively meet human needs. The course covers aspects of interaction design and human factors, offering theoretical grounding and practical skills for analysing, designing and evaluating the usability of interactive software systems. Topics covered include accessibility, auditory based interaction, and virtual and augmented reality.
On completion of the module a student should be able to
- Appreciate the importance and context of HCI and human factors in the software development lifecycle.
- Recognise the importance of identifying and involving users in the design of interactive systems.
- Apply task analysis and dialogue design methods to facilitate effective interaction design.
- Demonstrate awareness of design patterns for effective user interface design.
- Utilise usability guideline and principles in the design and evaluation of interface prototypes.
- Develop knowledge of tools and techniques for inclusive software design.
- Understand how multimodal user interfaces are designed and developed to overcome issues with screen-based interactive systems.
- Select and apply suitable usability evaluation methods for the evaluation of interactive software systems.
- Study essential empirical skills for conducting user studies to evaluate interface prototypes.
- Appreciate concepts and techniques for emerging interaction technologies such as virtual and augmented reality.
How the module will be delivered
Modules will be delivered through blended learning. You will be guided through learning activities appropriate to your module, which may include:
face to face lectures for demonstration and discussion of learning material
lab sessions for application and practice of learning material and assessment support
on-line resources that you work through at your own pace (e.g. videos, web resources, e-books, quizzes),
on-line interactive sessions to work with other students and staff (e.g. discussions, live streaming of presentations, live-coding, team meetings)
Skills that will be practised and developed
Please see Learning Outcomes.
How the module will be assessed
A blend of assessment types which may include coursework and portfolio assessments, class tests, and/or formal examinations
Students will be provided with reassessment opportunities in line with University regulations.
Assessment Breakdown
| Type | % | Title | Duration(hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written Assessment | 50 | Interface Prototyping Exercise | N/A |
| Written Assessment | 20 | Usability Evaluation Experiment | N/A |
| Class Test | 30 | Usability Evaluation Experiment - Class Test | N/A |
Syllabus content
Relevance and context of HCI
Interaction models and basics of human variance
Usability engineering and user-centred design
User profiles and personas
Cognitive and task modelling
Prototyping interfaces
Empirical experimentation and data driven evaluation
Auditory based user interfaces
Accessibility and Inclusive Design
Usability guidelines and principles
Usability evaluation techniques and universal design
Interface design patterns
Interaction techniques for virtual and augmented reality