Print View: COMP2506 - Sem 1 2008 - St Lucia

2. Aims, Objectives & Graduate Attributes

2.1 Course Aims

It is expected that upon successful completion of the course, students will:

- understand the basic philosophy behind designing for human interaction with interactive sytems
- be able to identify, describe, and critique different methods for performing user-centred design and interaction design process
- be able to evaluate the usability of interactive systems and devices by developing hands-on skills with user-centred design techniques

2.2 Learning Objectives

After successfully completing this course you should be able to:

1  Understand human-computer interaction from a historical perspective and be able to identify some of the major themes and influences that have shaped the field.
2  Define the terms utility, usability, user experience and understand the subtle differences that these terms bring to the field of HCI.
3  Understand, adapt and apply principles of good user-interface design.
4  Apply theories from social science that provide an understanding of how interactive systems fit into a broader organisational and social context.
5  Relate theories of human information processing, to the design of good human-computer interaction.
6  Relate theories of memory, attention, visual perception and human mental models to the design of human-system interaction.
7  Use a range of interaction design methods which involve the people from target user groups – such as ethnography, contextual design, interviews and surveys – in the process of interactive system design.
8  Apply iterative design techniques such as scenario development, prototyping, and participatory design in the design of an interactive system.
9  Understand the role of user evaluation in the development of interactive systems and implement an evaluation framework that is appropriate for a given set of objectives.
10  Understand HCI in terms of system accessibility for a broad range of user groups.
11  Understand the multi-disciplinary nature of human-computer interaction and what each discipline brings to system development project teams.

2.3. Graduate Attributes

Successfully completing this course will contribute to the recognition of your attainment of the following UQ (Undergrad Pass) graduate attributes:

GRADUATE ATTRIBUTE	LEARNING OBJECTIVES
*A. IN-DEPTH KNOWLEDGE OF THE FIELD OF STUDY*
A1. A comprehensive and well-founded knowledge in the field of study.	1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
A4. An understanding of how other disciplines relate to the field of study.	1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 11
A5. An international perspective on the field of study.
*B. EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION*
B1. The ability to collect, analyse and organise information and ideas and to convey those ideas clearly and fluently, in both written and spoken forms.	2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11
B2. The ability to interact effectively with others in order to work towards a common outcome.	3, 7, 8, 11
B3. The ability to select and use the appropriate level, style and means of communication.	2, 4, 8, 11
B4. The ability to engage effectively and appropriately with information and communication technologies.	4, 7, 8, 11
*C. INDEPENDENCE AND CREATIVITY*
C1. The ability to work and learn independently.	1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 9
C3. The ability to generate ideas and adapt innovatively to changing environments.	4, 7, 8, 9, 11
C4. The ability to identify problems, create solutions, innovate and improve current practices.	2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 11
*D. CRITICAL JUDGEMENT*
D1. The ability to define and analyse problems.	2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
D2. The ability to apply critical reasoning to issues through independent thought and informed judgement.	2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
D3. The ability to evaluate opinions, make decisions and to reflect critically on the justifications for decisions.	3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11
*E. ETHICAL AND SOCIAL UNDERSTANDING*
E1. An understanding of social and civic responsibility.	7, 8, 10
E2. An appreciation of the philosophical and social contexts of a discipline.	1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 11
E4. A knowledge and respect of ethics and ethical standards in relation to a major area of study.	3, 7, 8, 9
E5. A knowledge of other cultures and times and an appreciation of cultural diversity.	2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11

Successfully completing this course will contribute to the recognition of your attainment of the following Engineers Australia graduate attributes:

GRADUATE ATTRIBUTE	LEARNING OBJECTIVES
1. Ability to apply knowledge of basic science and engineering fundamentals	3, 4, 5, 6, 7
2. Ability to communicate effectively, not only with engineers, but also with the community at large	2, 3, 4, 7, 11
3. In-depth technical competence in at least one engineering discipline	1, 2, 5, 6, 9, 10
4. Ability to undertake problem identification, formulation and solution	3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 11
5. Ability to utilise a systems approach to design and operational performance	3, 7, 9
6. Ability to function effectively as an individual and in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams, with the capacity to be a team leader or manager as well as an effective team member	2
7. Understanding of the social, cultural, global and environmental responsibilities of the professional engineer, and for the need for sustainable development
8. Understanding of the principles of sustainable design and development
9. Understanding of and commitment to professional and ethical responsibilities	7, 9
10. Expectation and capacity to undertake life-long learning	11

5. Assessment

5.1 Assessment Summary

This is a summary of the assessment in the course. For detailed information on each assessment, see 5.5 Assessment Detail below.

Assessment Task	Due Date	Weighting	Learning Objectives
Report Assignment 1 (Individual)	25 Feb 08 16:00 - 14 Mar 08 17:00	15%	1, 2, 10, 11
Tutorial Participation Weekly Tutorial Exercises (Individual)	3 Mar 08 09:00 - 30 May 08 17:00	10%	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11
Report Assignment 2 (Individual)	19 Mar 08 16:00 - 11 Apr 08 17:00	15%	3, 4, 5, 6
Report Assignment 3 (Team)	16 Apr 08 16:00 - 2 May 08 17:00	15%	3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 11
Report Assignment 4 (Team)	7 May 08 16:00 - 30 May 08 17:00	15%	2, 3, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11
Exam - during Exam Period (Central) Final Examination	Examination Period	30%	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11

5.2 Course Grading

Grade 1, Fail: Fails to demonstrate most or all of the basic requirements of the course:

      The minimum percentage required for a grade of 1 is: 0%

Grade 2, Fail: Demonstrates clear deficiencies in understanding and applying fundamental concepts; communicates information or ideas in ways that are frequently incomplete or confusing and give little attention to the conventions of the discipline:

      The minimum percentage required for a grade of 2 is: 20%

Grade 3, Fail: Demonstrates superficial or partial or faulty understanding of the fundamental concepts of the field of study and limited ability to apply these concepts; presents undeveloped or inappropriate or unsupported arguments; communicates information or ideas with lack of clarity and inconsistent adherence to the conventions of the discipline:

      The minimum percentage required for a grade of 3 is: 45%

Grade 4, Pass: Demonstrates adequate understanding and application of the fundamental concepts of the field of study; develops routine arguments or decisions and provides acceptable justification; communicates information and ideas adequately in terms of the conventions of the discipline:

      The minimum percentage required for a grade of 4 is: 50%

Grade 5, Credit: Demonstrates substantial understanding of fundamental concepts of the field of study and ability to apply these concepts in a variety of contexts; develops or adapts convincing arguments and provides coherent justification; communicates information and ideas clearly and fluently in terms of the conventions of the discipline:

      The minimum percentage required for a grade of 5 is: 65%

Grade 6, Distinction: As for 5, with frequent evidence of originality in defining and analysing issues or problems and in creating solutions; uses a level, style and means of communication appropriate to the discipline and the audience:

      The minimum percentage required for a grade of 6 is: 75%

Grade 7, High Distinction: As for 6, with consistent evidence of substantial originality and insight in identifying, generating and communicating competing arguments, perspectives or problem solving approaches; critically evaluates problems, their solutions and implications:

      The minimum percentage required for a grade of 7 is: 85%

Other Requirements & Comments :

5.3 Late Submission

No extensions will be granted except in exceptional personal circumstances (documented medical reason or family emergency). Personal hardware or computer failures are not grounds for extension. It is your responsibility to make backups of your work on multiple media.

Late submissions will lose 10 percentage points of total possible grade for the assessment in question per 24 hours after the deadline (1 day late = marked out of 90%; 2 days late = marked out of 80%, etc.) Late submissions should be made directly to the lecturer or tutor involved.

5.4 Other Assessment Information

Team members will be asked to rate each of their team members for work-effort and the overall grade will be based on an proportional weighting per team member. Teams may have three or four members.

Determination of Final Grade
Final grade (on a 1 to 7 scale) will be determined by combining the marks from the various assessment components as described below:

Assignments: 60 % (4 x 15% each)
Tutorial participation: 10%
Final exam: 30%

Total 100%

5.5 Assessment Detail

Assignment 1 (Individual)

Type: Report
Learning Objectives Assessed: 1, 2, 10, 11
Due Date:
25 Feb 08 16:00 - 14 Mar 08 17:00
Weight: 15%
Task Description:

The aim of this assignment is to research the concept of user-centred design and its fit in interaction design within the discipline of information technology and provide a comprehensive report which outlines the historical perspectives to shape this focus beyond HCI. Assignment details will be handed out in lectures, week 1.

Criteria & Marking: Marking criteria will be supplied with the assignment in week 1.
Submission: Students are required to submit the report via the School of ITEE electronic submission system available at http://submit.itee.uq.edu.au/.

Weekly Tutorial Exercises (Individual)

Type: Tutorial Participation
Learning Objectives Assessed: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11
Due Date:
3 Mar 08 09:00 - 30 May 08 17:00
Weight: 10%
Task Description:

Students receive tutorial participation marks - a student will receive 1% for each tutorial in which they participate up to a maximum of ten. During tutorials, students will work in groups of three to complete weekly exercises.

Tutorial exercises will serve two purposes. First, tutorials will provide students with hands-on experience with techniques discussed in lectures that they will be required to use in the assignments. Second, tutorials will give students the opportunity to work in small groups to solve assigned problems over a period of a few weeks.

Participation and engagement rather than just attendance will be assessed during tutorials. Students are expected to complete exercises, take part in discussions and submit tutorial work.

Further details about tutorial participation requirements will be outlined in the lecture in Week 1.

Criteria & Marking: Participation and engagement rather than just attendance will be assessed during tutorials. Students are expected to complete exercises, take part in discussions and submit tutorial work.

Assignment 2 (Individual)

Type: Report
Learning Objectives Assessed: 3, 4, 5, 6
Due Date:
19 Mar 08 16:00 - 11 Apr 08 17:00
Weight: 15%
Task Description:

The aim of this assignment is examine the design features of an interactive system in terms of the human information processing abilities such as attention, perception and recognition, memory and learning. Describe the conceptual model of an interactive mobile device (of your choice) in detail addressing interaction mode, interface metaphor, concepts, relationships and mappings.

Details of the assignment will be handed out in lectures in week 4.

Criteria & Marking: Marking criteria will be supplied with the assignment at the end of the lecture in week 4.
Submission: Students are required to submit the report via the School of ITEE electronic submission system available at http://submit.itee.uq.edu.au/.

Assignment 3 (Team)

Type: Report
Learning Objectives Assessed: 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 11
Due Date:
16 Apr 08 16:00 - 2 May 08 17:00
Weight: 15%
Task Description: The aim of this assignment is to apply HCI techniques to develop an understanding of the requirements gathering process.

Working in a cross-discipline teams, students are required to produce a user-requirement study plan, implement the plan and draw conclusions about the user needs and requirements. Reflect on the effectiveness and completeness of your study given the time available. Details of the assignment problem domain will be presented in week 7.
Criteria & Marking: Marking criteria will be supplied with the assignment during class.
Submission: Students are required to submit the report via the School of ITEE electronic submission system available at http://submit.itee.uq.edu.au/.

Assignment 4 (Team)

Type: Report
Learning Objectives Assessed: 2, 3, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11
Due Date:
7 May 08 16:00 - 30 May 08 17:00
Weight: 15%
Task Description: The aim of this assignment is to apply HCI techniques to design, develop and evaluate an interactive low-fidelty prototype.

Using the requirements data from Assignment 3, students are to present a report documenting the design, development and evaluation process. Reflect on the evaluation process and outcomes. Full details of the assignment will be presented in class.
Criteria & Marking: Marking criteria will be supplied with the assignment during class.
Submission: Students are required to submit the report via the School of ITEE electronic submission system available at http://submit.itee.uq.edu.au/.

Final Examination

Type: Exam - during Exam Period (Central)
Learning Objectives Assessed: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11
Due Date:
Examination Period
Weight: 30%
Perusal: 10 minutes
Duration: 120 minutes
Format: Multiple-choice, Short answer, Short essay
Task Description: A two hour final examination will be held during the final examination period. This exam will be open-book and will contain both short-answer and essay questions. The exam is process-oriented and will test your knowledge and understanding of the material from lectures 1 to 12. Open-book means that you may bring any written material into the examination room. You may also bring a battery-operated non-programmable calculator. Programmable calculators and other computing or communication devices are NOT permitted. The University will make special arrangements for examinations for students with a disability, so that all students are provided a comparable opportunity to demonstrate knowledge and competency for assessment purposes.
Criteria & Marking: Criteria for marking will include substantive correctness of answer, quality of evidence or clarity of process used to arrive at answer, and clarity of expression of answer.

6. Policies & Guidelines

This section contains the details of and links to the most relevant policies and course guidelines. For further details on University Policies please visit myAdvisor and the University Handbook of Policies and Procedures.

6.1 Assessment Related Policies and Guidelines

University Policies & Guidelines

An overview of the University’s assessment-related policies can be found on myAdvisor (http://www.uq.edu.au/myadvisor/index.html?page=2910).

Academic Integrity
It is the University's task to encourage ethical scholarship and to inform students and staff about the institutional standards of academic behaviour expected of them in learning, teaching and research. Students have a responsibility to maintain the highest standards of academic integrity in their work. Students must not cheat in examinations or other forms of assessment and must ensure they do not plagiarise.

Plagiarism
The University has adopted the following definition of plagiarism:

Plagiarism is the act of misrepresenting as one's own original work the ideas, interpretations, words or creative works of another. These include published and unpublished documents, designs, music, sounds, images, photographs, computer codes and ideas gained through working in a group. These ideas, interpretations, words or works may be found in print and/or electronic media.

Students are encouraged to read the UQ Academic Integrity and Plagiarism policy (http://www.uq.edu.au/hupp/index.html?page=25128) which makes a comprehensive statement about the University's approach to plagiarism, including the approved use of plagiarism detection software, the consequences of plagiarism and the principles associated with preventing plagiarism.

Feedback on Assessment
Feedback is essential to effective learning and students can expect to receive appropriate and timely feedback on all assessment. For a detailed explanation of the feedback you are entitled to, you should consult the policy on Student Access to Feedback on Assessment. (http://www.uq.edu.au/hupp/index.html?page=25114&pid=25075)

As a student you have a responsibility to incorporate feedback into your learning; make use of the assessment criteria that you are given; be aware of the rules, policies and other documents related to assessment; and provide teachers with feedback on their assessment practices.

There are certain steps you can take if you feel your result does not reflect your performance. Please refer to the myAdvisor web site. (http://www.uq.edu.au/myadvisor/index.html?page=2953&pid=2910)

School of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering Assessment Guidelines

Misconduct

Further to the statement on academic integrity and plagiarism above, students are required to read and understand the ITEE policy on Student Misconduct (http://www.itee.uq.edu.au/about_ITEE/policies/student-misconduct.html).

Late Arrival or Non-attendance at Examinations

The policy and procedure for late arrival or non-attendance at centrally controlled examinations is set out in the University's Examinations policy (HUPP 3.30.5), sections 8 and 10.2.

The way in which late arrival at a School-controlled examination is dealt with will be at the discretion of the course coordinator, who may be guided by the policy for centrally controlled exams.

In the case that a student requests a special exam for a School-controlled exam, the request will be considered and, if allowed, the timing shall be determined by the course coordinator, in consultation with the School's Chief Examiner where necessary, and in accordance with HUPP 3.30.5. Unless otherwise indicated in the Course Profile, applications must be made in writing to the Head of School no later than one week after the exam. Late applications will not be accepted.

Examination Feedback

In addition to the advice above, students wishing to view examination answer scripts and/or question papers should consult with the School office (Room 217, General Purpose South Building [78], St Lucia; Room 218, Building 1, Ipswich) regarding arrangements. The ITEE policy on exam script viewing is available at http://study.itee.uq.edu.au/current_students/exam_script_viewing.html.

Supplementary Assessment

If you fail this course you may be eligible for supplementary assessment - see the general award rules and/or your program rules for details. You should note that even though you may be eligible for supplementary assessment under these rules, in some circumstances there may be no practical assessment that can be offered to allow you to meet the minimum passing requirements. These circumstances may include failure based on:

group or team based assessment;
attendance or class participation requirements;
laboratory-based assessment, where laboratories can't practically be made available after classes have finished;
project or thesis-based assessment, where a significant period of time would be required to undertake supplementary assessment;
progressive assessment, where subsequent assessment items build on earlier assessment items; or
multiple assessment items, where it is impractical to offer multiple supplementary assessment items.

If the course coordinator determines that there is no practical supplementary assessment that can be offered to allow you to improve your grade, then you will not be offered supplementary assessment and your grade will remain unchanged.

6.2 Other Policies and Guidelines

University Policies and Guidelines

Placement Courses
Students on a placement course – also known as a work placement, internship, industry study, industry experience, clinical practice, clinical placement, practical work, practicum, fieldwork, teaching practice – should refer to the University policy, Placement Courses (http://www.uq.edu.au/hupp/index.html?page=25120&pid=25075) for detailed information.

Working with Children
Students whose studies include a professional/work placement, internship, clinical practice, teaching practice or other similar activity which involves them in regular contact with children should refer to the University policy, Working with Children Check - "blue card" (http://www.uq.edu.au/hupp/index.html?page=25004&pid=24963) to find out how to apply for a ‘blue card’.

Students with a Disability
Any student with a disability who may require alternative academic arrangements, including assessment, in the course/program is encouraged to seek advice at the commencement of the semester from a Disability Adviser at Student Support Services. Refer to the University policy, Students with a Disability (Disability Action Plan) (http://www.uq.edu.au/hupp/index.html?page=25122&pid=25075) and to the policy on Special Arrangements for Examinations for Students with a Disability (http://www.uq.edu.au/hupp/index.html?page=25111&pid=25075

Where an adjustment is made to an accredited program, it is the responsibility of the relevant Faculty to liaise with professional and registration bodies regarding the acceptability of the change/s.

Occupational Health and Safety
Undergraduate Students (http://www.uq.edu.au/hupp/index.html?page=25055&pid=25015) and Postgraduate Students (http://www.uq.edu.au/hupp/index.html?page=25057&pid=25015) should be familiar with the University policies on occupational health and safety in the laboratory.

Other School of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering Guidelines

Ethical Clearance

If your course involves assignment or project work involving human subjects or human-related materials, you must investigate the need for ethical clearance and obtain it when required. Information on ethical clearance can be found at http://www.uq.edu.au/research/orps/index.html?page=5064&pid=5256.

Learning Summary

Below is a table showing the relationship between the learning objectives for this course and the broader graduate attributes developed, the learning activities used to develop each objective and the assessment task used to assess each objective.

Learning Objectives

After successfully completing this course you should be able to:

Assessment & Learning Activities

	Learning Objectives
	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11
Learning Activities
Fundamentals of Human-Computer Interaction (Study Module)
HCI and Understanding People (Study Module)
Methods for Interactive System Design (Study Module)
HCI Evaluation Methods (Study Module)
Assessment Tasks
Assignment 1 (Individual)
Weekly Tutorial Exercises (Individual)
Assignment 2 (Individual)
Assignment 3 (Team)
Assignment 4 (Team)
Final Examination

Graduate Attributes

Successfully completing this course will contribute to the recognition of your attainment of the following UQ (Undergrad Pass) graduate attributes:

	Learning Objectives
	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11
Graduate Attributes
*A IN-DEPTH KNOWLEDGE OF THE FIELD OF STUDY*
A1. A comprehensive and well-founded knowledge in the field of study.
A4. An understanding of how other disciplines relate to the field of study.
A5. An international perspective on the field of study.
*B EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION*
B1. The ability to collect, analyse and organise information and ideas and to convey those ideas clearly and fluently, in both written and spoken forms.
B2. The ability to interact effectively with others in order to work towards a common outcome.
B3. The ability to select and use the appropriate level, style and means of communication.
B4. The ability to engage effectively and appropriately with information and communication technologies.
*C INDEPENDENCE AND CREATIVITY*
C1. The ability to work and learn independently.
C3. The ability to generate ideas and adapt innovatively to changing environments.

COMP2506 - Sem 1 2008 - St Lucia - Internal

1. General Course Information

1.1 Course Details

1.2 Course Introduction

1.3 Course Staff

1.4 Timetable