Usability in Web Applications (5 cr)

Evaluation scale

0-5

Content scheduling

Course contact period will last about 8 weeks. Assignments need to be returned within one month after contact period has ended.

Objective

Purpose of the course

Have you ever used an application with annoying, hard-to-find, or difficult-to-use features? The difference between a good and an excellent software product often lies in usability and user experience. Developing first-class applications requires considering and involving the user throughout the entire process, from design to implementation and testing.

In this course, you will learn the fundamentals of usability and user experience creation through theory and practical exercises, so that you can create usable and user-friendly web applications from the user's perspective.

Course competences

- Software Engineering Competence: Is familiar with tools and methods related to software engineering and able to apply the knowledge in practical work.
- ICT Specialization Competence: Is able to apply their knowledge and skills in a specific area of ICT, as well as analyze, evaluate, and develop operations in this area.
- Ethics: Takes others into account and promotes equality and non-discrimination.
- Ethics: Take into account the realisation of diversity and accessibility in their actions.

Learning outcomes

You have basic knowledge in the area of user-centered design. You know the basic concepts of usability and cognitive psychology.

Content

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

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.

Location and time

Lectures on Jamk main campus.

Materials

Lecture materials and assignments prepared by the teacher.

Teaching methods

Lessons and tutored exercises in class, assignments you return.

Exam schedules

There is no exam on the course. Completing the course reguires returning the defined assignments and and the final assignment.

Completion alternatives

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

Student workload

1 credit corresponds to an average of 27 hours of work, which means that the load of 5 credits is on average 135 hours.

The 135 hours will divide roughly in the following:
- Lectures & exercise labs (contact lessons): 28 h
- Self-study: 107 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 final assignment and successfully complete all required assignments on the course.