CS2HW19-HCI and Web Applications

Module Provider: Computer Science
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Dr Huizhi Liang
Email: huizhi.liang@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module introduces both the theory and practice of designing human-computer interfaces.

Aims:

The aim of this module is to develop a sound understanding of the requirements, design, development and evaluation of human-computer interfaces including those for web-based applications. A key focus of the module is placed on designing fit-for-purpose, usable and accessible products/applications. Aims also include learning about input and output methods in human-computer interfaces and their appropriateness for different people and situations, and learning about current research in the field of HCI.

This module also encourages students to develop a set of professional skills, such as problem solving, creativity, technical report writing, organization and time management, self-reflection, team working, software design and development; end-user awareness, action planning and decision making, commercial awareness, critical analysis of published literature and value of diversity

Assessable learning outcomes:

At the end of this module, students will:

• Have an understanding of which is a good human computer interface design


• Explain the range of theories and methods of the human aspects of HCI and how this knowledge can be applied to interface design.


• Have refined knowledge in how to analyse user requirements.


• Be able to suitably apply techniques and methodologies for the design and construction of prototypes.


• Be familiar with a range of methods for system evaluation, and for measuring usability.


• Be able to reflect on current and next-generation interactive technologies.


• Be able to critically appraise website and other interface designs with regards to usability, accessibility and fitness for purpose.


• Develop practical skills/experience of designing website applications.


• Explain how human-computer interaction is affected by factors such as age, disability, and/or context of use.

Additional outcomes:

Outline content:

• HCI and its importance


• HCI and the psychology/physiology of the human, HCI devices, dialogues and techniques


• Understanding user needs and requirements. Methods for gathering and analysing user data,.


• Prototyping techniques for conceptual and physical design


• Usability and accessibility. Evaluation techniques for usability (including heuristic evaluation, expert evaluation and user testing/


• Front-end co ding for websites (e.g. HTML, CSS, JavaScript)


• Ageing and impairment, Emerging HCI themes (including Ubiquitous Computing, Human-Robot Interaction and the Internet of Things). Professional and ethical issues.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The course material will be introduced through lectures, tutorials, practices. Practical exercises based on lecture material will be applied during lab sessions. The lab work will provide the student with support to develop prototypes as well as carrying out practical work such as working through concepts, developing storyboards, producing paper prototypes, and planning for evaluation.    

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	10
Seminars	5
Practicals classes and workshops	5
Guided independent study:	80
Total hours by term	100
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Set exercise	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:

None

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

• Individual Report: 40%


• Group work (including presentation and report): 60%

Formative assessment methods:

Students will be provided with feedback during seminar and practical classes.

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

A mark of 40% overall.

Reassessment arrangements:

One 2-hour examination paper in August/September.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books:  None

2) Specialist equipment or materials:  None

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:  None

4) Printing and binding:  None

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:  None

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:  None

Last updated: 29 July 2021