Usability and User Centric Design (3 cr)

Evaluation scale

0-5

Content scheduling

- Course contac period will last about 7 weeks after which the exam will be arranged. Assignments need to be returned within one month after contact period has ended.

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.

Location and time

- Lectures on Jamk main campus.

Materials

- Lecture materials and assignments prepared by the teacher.

Teaching methods

- Lessons (in-class)
- Exercises in class
- Assignments you return

Exam schedules

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

Completion alternatives

- You can apply for recognition of previous experience and knowledge through the eRPL process.

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

- This course is graded on scale 0-5.
- To pass the course you need to get a passing grade on the exam and successfully complete all required assignments on the course.