Usability and User Centric Design (3 cr)

Evaluation scale

0-5

Objective

The purpose of this course:
Have you ever had the experience of using a program that has had features that were annoying, or could have been done so much better?

Difference between good and excellent products is often usability and user experience (UX). In order to develop a first class software, users should be involved throughout the design and implementation processes.

In practice, the point of this course is the basics of usability - definitions, psychological heuristics, character laws etc. These apply to both web-applications and games - and of course to all other artifacts. Various design and evaluation methods are tested, from card sorting to user testing. The user-driven design package then focuses on assessing user needs, and the methods that support them. Keywords include the following:
- User-centered design processes and techniques
- User experience
- Usability
- Basics of cognitive psychology
- Usability testing

Course competence:
After completing this course, you will have knowledge about the user-centered design, the basic concepts of usability and cognitive psychology. You understand the framework of user-centered design processes and know different methods and techniques. You know the components and principles of usability and can apply that knowledge to the real world situations. You are able to conduct usability testing using various methods.

Content

In this course you will get acquainted with the basic principles and theory of software usability and user centric design.

Materials

Course materials provided in the course Moodle-space.

Recommended literature:
Hodent, C. The gamers brain : how neuroscience and UX can impact video game design, 2017.

Teaching methods

The course will be conducted as contact studying at Jamk's campuses.
There will be lectures, in which the students will learn the basic theory of the course's subjects, and practical assignments which allow the students to try out the things they have learned in practice.

Employer connections

The course might have visiting lecturers and possibly an excursion (virtual or physical).

Exam schedules

The course has a final exam, and up to two more resits will be arranged if needed.

Completion alternatives

You have the right to apply for recognition of your studies if you have prior learning (e.g. university studies completed elsewhere) that can be accredited towards the degree you are currently completing.

The recognition of prior learning is possible in three primary ways: accreditation (replacement or inclusion), recognition of informal learning and studification. More precise info: Jamk Degree Regulations, section 17.

Student workload

One credit corresponds to an average of 27 hours of work, which means that the load of 3 credits is approximately 81 hours.
The 81 hours will divide roughly in the following:
Lectures: 21 h
Exam: 3 h
Individual work: 57 h

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

Sufficient (1): You have basic knowledge in the area of user-centered design. You know the basic concepts of usability and cognitive psychology.

Satisfactory (2): You have knowledge in the area of user-centered design. You know a few techniques and know how to utilize them. You know the basic concepts of usability and cognitive psychology and know how to use the methods and techniques in practice.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

Good (3): You have knowledge in the area of user-centered design. You know various techniques and know how to utilize them. You know the concepts of usability and cognitive psychology and know how to use the methods and techniques in practice.

Very Good (4): You have knowledge in the area of user-centered design. You are able to utilize various UCD techniques in developing a software product. You know the concepts of usability and cognitive psychology and know how to use the methods and techniques in practice. You can expand your knowledge independently.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

Excellent (5): You have knowledge in the area of user-centered design. You are able to analytically utilize various UCD techniques in developing a software product. You know the concepts of usability and cognitive psychology and know how to use the methods and techniques in practice. You can expand your knowledge independently. You are able to evaluate the appropriate methods and practices for different situations.

Further information

Open UAS spots: 5 included in the total capacity