General description
This course deals with the issue of how systems should be built in order to make them understandable by, and accessible to, users. Principles of good design are introduced and applied to the issue of human computer interaction. The course also covers methods and tools for good computer interface design.

Aims
This module will enable the student to appreciate how principles of user centred design can be incorporated into the development of applications built on modern windowing systems.

Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

• design and implement effective user interfaces making appropriate use of development techniques.

• apply task and user modelling techniques to the design and evaluation of an interactive system.

• appreciate the benefits of considering the abilities and needs of the end user and applying object-oriented principles to the design of interactive systems.

Syllabus
1. Fundamental principles of good design - 4 Lectures
Functionality. Usability. Socio-technical system interaction. Task and dialogue levels.

2. Models for Human Computer Interaction - 4 Lectures
Mental models. Taskflow models. Dialogue interaction models.

3. Methods for Human Computer Interaction - 5 Lectures
Requirements specification. User interface design. Evaluation techniques. Support tools for methods.

4. Guidelines for screen interfaces - 3 Lectures
HCI characteristics, human performance issues, use of colour.

5. Implementation level issues - 3 Lectures
Types of interface device. Types of interaction. Representation of colour within windowing systems.

6. Case studies - 5 Lectures
Examples of system development which bring out the different issues covered in the course.