Computer Laboratory – Course material 2008–09: Human-Computer Interaction

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Human-Computer Interaction

Lecturer: Dr A.F. Blackwell

No. of lectures: 8

Aims

This course will introduce systematic approaches to the design and analysis of user interfaces.

Lectures

Interaction techniques. Historical survey of user interface techniques, leading to the current industry standards of direct manipulation and platform-specific style guidelines.
Heuristic evaluation. A basic approach to systematic analysis of usability from an engineer's perspective.
Psychological user models. Black box models of human performance, including perception, motor control, memory and problem-solving.
Quantitative analysis of performance. The Model Human Processor, Keystroke Level Model, and GOMS descriptions of user performance.
Modelling of system understanding. Mental models and metaphor, use of design prototypes, controlled experiments.
Cognitive walkthrough. Evaluation from the perspective of a novice learning to use the system.
Task analysis and design. Contextual and qualitative studies, use-case driven design.
Research techniques. Cognitive dimensions of notations, CSCW, ubiquitous computing, new interaction techniques, programmability.

Objectives

On completing the course, students should be able to

propose design approaches that are suitable to different classes of user and application
identify appropriate techniques for analysis and critique of user interfaces
be able to design and undertake quantitative and qualitative studies in order to improve the design of interactive systems
understand the history and purpose of the features of contemporary user interfaces

Recommended reading

* Sharp, H., Rogers, Y. & Preece, J. (2007). Interaction design: beyond human-computer interaction. Wiley (2nd ed.).
* Carroll, J.M. (ed.) (2003). HCI models, theories and frameworks: toward a multi-disciplinary science. Morgan Kaufmann.

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