Syllabus

Course Description

This course provides an introduction to human-computer interaction and the design process. Students will learn methods and skills for designing and prototyping interactive systems. The course covers a design process from the initial formulation of a design problem to creation of digital prototypes. The course is mainly organized around a group project.

Course Objectives

The following are the key objectives of this course:

Process-Focused Perspective on Interaction Design
Design Research Methods and Skills
Task-Focused Scenario Development, Sketching, and Storyboarding
Rapid Prototyping and Iteration
Critical Perspective on Design Solutions

Assessment Criteria

The total grade is broken-down as:

Group Project (60%): 4 main components
- Part 1: Project Proposal (5pts)
- Part 2: Getting the Right Design (20pts)
- Part 3: Getting the Design Right (20pts)
- Part 4: Communicating the Design (15pts)
Homework (10%): 3 reading assignments
Midterm Exam (15%)
Final Exam (15%)

Grading Scale

The grading scale for the course is:

A ≥ 90%; B ≥ 80%; C ≥ 70%; D ≥ 60%

However, the actual cutoffs may vary slightly depending on the overall class performance.

Topics Covered

History and State of the Art in HCI
Designing Critique
Design of Everyday Things
Design Process
User Research
Human Performance
Personas
Task Analysis
Scenarios and Storyboarding
Paper Prototyping
Usability Testing
Heuristic Evaluation
Digital Mockups
Statistical Analysis

Late or missed assignments/exams

No makeup exams or assignments will be given. If you miss an exam or assignment, there must be documentation in writing, provided to me or to the department administrative assistant. I will still review whether you have exercised due diligence. Otherwise, you will receive 0 points for the missed exam or assignment.

Textbooks

The following are the required textbooks for this course:

Rogers, Y., Sharp, H., Preece, J. (2019). Interaction Design: Beyond Human-Computer Interaction (5th ed.). West Sussex, UK: Wiley.

Academic Honesty

Plagiarism is the use of another person’s words or ideas without crediting that person. Plagiarism and cheating will not be tolerated and may lead to failure on an assignment, in the class, or dismissal from the University, per the SIUE academic dishonesty policy. Students are responsible for complying with University policies about academic honesty as stated in the University’s Student Academic Conduct Code.

Academic Integrity

Students are reminded that the expectations and academic standards outlined in the Student Academic Code (3C2) apply to all courses, field experiences and educational experiences at the University, regardless of modality or location. The full text of the policy can be found here: Student Academic Code.

Recordings of Class Content

Faculty recordings of lectures and/or other course materials are meant to facilitate student learning and to help facilitate a student catching up who has missed class due to illness. As such, students are reminded that the recording, as well as replicating or sharing of any course content and/or course materials without the express permission of the instructor of record, is not permitted, and may be considered a violation of the University’s Student Conduct Code (3C1), linked here: Student Conduct Code.

Accessibility

Students needing accommodations because of medical diagnosis or major life impairment will need to register with Accessible Campus Community & Equitable Student Support (ACCESS) and complete an intake process before accommodations will be given. The ACCESS office is located in the Student Success Center, Room 1270. You can also reach the office by e-mail at myaccess@siue.edu or by calling (618) 650-3726. For more information on policies, procedures, or necessary forms, please visit the ACCESS website at www.siue.edu/access.

Potential for Changes in Course Schedule or Modality

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, there remains a possibility that planned classroom activities will need to be adjusted. Depending on circumstances and following state-issued recommendations, potential changes include changes in course modality (e.g., transition from face-to-face to online) or in course scheduled meetings. These changes would be implemented to ensure the successful completion of the course. In these cases, students will be provided with an addendum to the class syllabus that will supersede the original version.

At the discretion of the instructor, all material, assignments, and deadlines are subject to change with prior notice. It is your responsibility to stay in touch with your instructor, review the course site regularly, or communicate with other students, to adjust as needed if assignments or due dates change.