HCI 440 Introduction to User-Centered Design
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Summary
This course presents the principles and practices of user-centered design (UCD), which include: user and task analysis; conceptual modeling and design; detailed design; prototyping; and evaluation. Students apply these UCD principles and practices in a series of individual and team assignments. The course introduces the essential elements of these practices and sets the context for further study of them in other foundation and advanced courses.
Topics covered in the course include:
- The fundamentals and process of UCD;
- User research and establishing requirements, including task description and analysis;
- Conceptualizing and modeling interaction;
- Cognitive aspects of interaction;
- Interaction design, prototyping, and construction; and
- Usability inspection and evaluation
The coursework consists of:
- Lectures;
- Class-time activities;
- Reading assignments;
- An individual assignment;
- Team assignments; and
- Three online quizzes.
Students perform UCD activities on a team-selected project throughout all team assignments.
Texts
Hartson, R. and P.S. Pyla (2019). The UX Book 2: Agile UX Design for a Quality User Experience, Morgan Kaufmann/Elsevier Science, 2019. ISBN: 978-0-12-805342-3 [Preferred edition]
OR
Hartson, R. and P.S. Pyla (2012). The UX Book: Process and Guidelines for Ensuring a Quality User Experience, Morgan Kaufmann/Elsevier Science, 2012. ISBN: 978-0-12-385241-0
[Previous edition, still acceptable]
Grading
Coursework includes the following components:
Coursework
============================
Weekly Participation: 10%
Individual Assignment: 10%
Team Assignments: 30%
Team Project Presentation: 20%
Quizzes: 30%
(Optional) Final Exam: +5% Max
============================
Total: 100%
Prerequisites
None
Class Format
Class meetings include a combination of lectures, discussions, hands-on activities, presentations of projects, and group work (during and outside of class). Success and enjoyment of this class depends on your participation, so I strongly encourage participation and cooperation from each student. You will obtain the most value and networking opportunities from the course if you are willing to collaborate and learn from one another.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
1. Understand the vocabulary, principles, practices, and methodology involved in user-centered design and its areas of application. (LO1)
2. Understand and apply the basic elements of the user-centered design process. (LO2)
3. Understand and apply research methods such as secondary research, user observation, and user interviews to establish interaction design requirements. (LO3)
4. Apply the principles of user-centered design to create coherent interaction designs that implement requirements and reflect design and usability principles. (LO4)
5. Apply iterative design and prototype evaluation methods to refine their interaction designs. (LO5)
6. Communicate the results of their work in an effective and professional manner. (LO6)
7. Understand and apply principles of effective interpersonal skills in order to participate and contribute to the efforts of a multidisciplinary team. (LO7)
Logistics, Syllabus Review & User-Centered Design Process
Exploration: Structured Observation
Exploration: Structured Observation & Inquiry
Design Definition: Task Analysis, Diagramming & Modeling
Design Definition: Personas, Narrative & Requirements
Interaction Design: Ideation, Concept & Prototyping
Evaluation: Structured Inspection
Evaluation: Usability Testing
Standards & Documentation
Group Project Presentations
This syllabus is subject to change as necessary during the quarter. If a change occurs, it will be thoroughly addressed during class, posted under Announcements in D2L and sent via email.
Evaluations are a way for students to provide valuable feedback regarding their instructor and the course. Detailed feedback will enable the instructor to continuously tailor teaching methods and course
content to meet the learning goals of the course and the academic needs of the students. They are a requirement of the course and are key to continue to provide you with the highest quality of teaching. The
evaluations are anonymous; the instructor and administration do not track who entered what responses. A program is used to check if the student completed the evaluations, but the evaluation is completely
separate from the student’s identity. Since 100% participation is our goal, students are sent periodic reminders over three weeks. Students do not receive reminders once they complete the evaluation.
Students complete the evaluation online in CampusConnect.
This course will be subject to the university's academic integrity policy. More information can be found at http://academicintegrity.depaul.edu/ If you
have any questions be sure to consult with your professor.
All students are expected to abide by the University's Academic Integrity Policy which prohibits cheating and other misconduct in student coursework. Publicly sharing or posting online any prior or current materials from this course (including exam questions or answers), is considered to be providing unauthorized assistance prohibited by the policy. Both students who share/post and students who access or use such materials are considered to be cheating under the Policy and will be subject to sanctions for violations of Academic Integrity.
All students are required to manage their class schedules each term in accordance with the deadlines for enrolling and withdrawing as indicated in the University Academic Calendar. Information on enrollment, withdrawal, grading and incompletes can be found at http://www.cdm.depaul.edu/Current%20Students/Pages/PoliciesandProcedures.aspx.
Students who feel they may need an accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact the instructor privately to discuss their specific needs. All discussions will remain confidential.
To ensure that you receive the most appropriate accommodation based on your needs, contact the instructor as early as possible in the quarter (preferably within the first week of class), and make sure that
you have contacted the Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD) at:
Lewis Center 1420, 25 East Jackson Blvd.
Phone number: (312)362-8002
Fax: (312)362-6544
TTY: (773)325.7296