Human-Computer Interaction

Instance: 2012/2013 - 1S

Cycles of Study/Courses

Last updated on 2012-10-29.

Fields changed: Objectives, Métodos de ensino e atividades de aprendizagem, Fórmula de cálculo da classificação final, Provas e trabalhos especiais, Componentes de Avaliação e Ocupação, Melhoria de classificação final/distribuída, Obtenção de frequência, Programa, Observações, Avaliação especial

Teaching language

Objectives

Aims:
1. To prepare students to analyse interactive systems concerning their quantitative and qualitative parameters.

2. To prepare students to use study, observation and questioning techniques based on the understanding of the conceptual model of system users.

3. To prepare students to use a construction process of interactive products based on the design, user assessment, conception, prototyping, validation, construction and maintenance.

Learning outcomes and competences

At the end of this course students should be prepared to:

- understand the importance of Human Computer Interaction in the process of developing interactive systems;

- understand the main design principles

- design an interactive system using a user centered approach, based on requirements gathering, prototyping and testing. 

- perform simple usability testing on existing systems, propose and test design alternatives. 

Working method

Program

1. Project of Interaction Design.
2. Understanding and conceptualizing interaction.
3.Understanding users.
4. Affective Aspects.
5. Interfaces and Interactions
6. The process of interaction design.
7.Identifying needs and establishing requirements.
8. Prototyping and Evaluation.

Mandatory literature

Complementary Bibliography

Teaching methods and learning activities

This course is based on the following activities:

A1. THEORETICAL NOTIONS
Students may learn the theoretical notions of this course, which are presented in theoretical and practical theoretical classes, by studying and conceptualizing.

A2. THEORETICAL-PRACTICAL SITUATIONS
What have been taught during theoretical and practical-theoretical classes should be followed by study and experimenting.

A3. HUMAN-COMPUTER INTERACTION PROJECT
Students have to carry out a group project on the analysis of an interactive system and its evolution. It will be supervised by the professors during the theoretical-practical classes.

A4. SEMINARS
Students may have to write a report on sessions given by guests. Questions about the content of the report may be asked on the final exam.

keywords

Evaluation Type

Assessment Components

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

Eligibility for exams

Assessment will be based on the following components (P1 and P2):

P1. Group Project- continuous assessment (50%)
Each group has to identify a system concerning its interaction with users. The assignment should be based on the study of the system and concurrent systems, contact with users and authors, interviews and queries and an assessment session based on a script previously produced, analysis of interviews and queries, case specification and design and test of a prototype. Students have to develop a cycle like the ones done in class.


P1.1 – Group assignment proposal (10%)
A report with a proposal of the group assignment (one page) and presentation to colleagues and professors (ten minutes)

P1.2- Project report (30%)
A final report with the description of the work done by the group (twenty pages top)

P1.3- Project presentation (10%)
A presentation should be give to colleagues and professors (ten minutes top)

All project components have to be delivered (printed) on the course secretariat until 5p.m. For each day of delay on the delivery of components P1.1 and P2.2 one value will be discounted.
Students have to reach a minimum grade of 10 out of 20 to complete the course.

P2. Individual written exam- 50%
Students have to reach a minimum grade of 8 out of 20 in the final exam. Students cannot complete the course if they have a very good mark on the project, but a bad one on the final exam.

Calculation formula of final grade

P1.1: Group assignment proposal (10%)

P1.2: Project report (30%)

P1.3: Project presentation (10%)

P1: Final Project Mark P1 = (0.1 * P1.1 + 0.3 * P1.2 + 0.1 * P1.3) / 0.5

P2: Final Exam (50%)

Final Mark = 0.1 * P1.1 + 0.3 * P1.2 + 0.1 * P1.3 + 0.5 * P2

or

Final Mark = 0.5 * P1 + 0.5 * P2

Examinations or Special Assignments

The method for the computation of the final mark for students with special status is identical to the method used for regular students.

Special assessment (TE, DA, ...)

Students with a special status (working-student, military personnel and high-level competition athletes) can either follow the above mentioned assessment components, or substitute component P1 by an individual or group project with a schedule previously set by the professor.

Classification improvement

Students may improve the mark of the component P1 in the following academic year. Students may improve the mark of the component P2 in recurso (resit) season.

Observations

Students and professors will be in touch by e-mail messages (SIFEUP) Some classes about specific themes may be given by specialists or other professors.