Aims and Fit of Module

To enable students to take a systematic approach to the specification, implementation, and evaluation of user interfaces in contemporary computing systems.

Learning outcomes

[A] Have an appreciation of the issues involved in designing computer systems for people.

[B] Have an understanding of the basic formal methods and techniques for interaction design.

[C] Be familiar with Java tools that support GUI realizations.

[D] Acquire a critiquing ability for the evaluation of interactive systems.

Method of teaching and learning

Students will be expected to attend two hours of formal lectures as well as to participate in one hour of supervised practicals in a computer lab in a typical week. Lectures will introduce students to the academic content and practical skills which are the subject of the module, while computer practicals will allow students to practice those skills.
In addition, students will be expected to devote approximately seven hours of unsupervised time to work in the computer lab and to private study. Time in the computer lab will be devoted to work on assignments. Private study will provide time for reflection and consideration of lecture material and background reading.
Continuous assessment will be used to test to which extent practical skills have been learnt. A written examination at the end of the module will assess the academic achievement of students