Usability and User Centric Design (3 cr)

Evaluation scale

0-5

Content scheduling

General scheduling:
- 2 hours per week for lectures (virtual)
- 2 hours per week for in-class activities

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

Learning material:
- Databases in the learning environment
- Materials in the learning environment

Teaching methods

The primary mode of delivery is a combination of in-class activities on campus and on-line lectures. The lectures will be recorded to support opportunities for 24/7 learning. The in-class activities deepen the learning in the forms of tutorials, individual and group works, reflection and guidance. However, if the COVID-19 situation requires the learning will be supported by on-line tutorials.

A blended model:
- The course can also contain project based learning, learning tasks, knowledge tests, topic specific focus teaching, database use for challenges/problems/tutorials (problem based learning)

Employer connections

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

Exam schedules

There is no exam on this course. Every student reserves a 30 min evaluation slot where they will show the task and project results (portfolio) to verify the skills and knowledge required to pass the course. The evaluation will be carried out with 1-on-1 conversations together with the course teacher. The reservation of the evaluation slots will be made possible through the learning platform.

During the last 2 weeks after classes will be reserved for the 1-on-1 evaluations.

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 three credits is approximately 81 hours. The load is distributed roughly the following way:
- Lectures: ~14h
- In-class activities: ~14h
- Weekly tasks: ~21h
- Projects and preparing for lectures: ~21h
- End task / portfolio: ~11h

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