Introduction to Human-Computer Interaction – CSIS 375

CG • Section 8WK • 11/08/2019 to 04/16/2020 • Modified 09/05/2023

Course Description

This course provides a study and application of the concepts, theory, and practice of effective user interactive computer software, including user-centered design principles, guidelines and evaluation for designing a software product. Cognitive and social aspects of human interaction will be examined in conjunction with elements of technological devices. Human interaction with mobile applications, internet applications, social networking technology, cloud computing, and stand-alone applications will be explored. (Crosslisted with BMIS 375) (Formerly CSCI 375)

For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog.

Rationale

This course is a cornerstone of application and web development as it focuses on the importance and usability of system interfaces. It is included in several of the CSIS cognates as well as a required course in the Web Technology degree program.

Course Assignment

Textbook readings and lecture presentations

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussions (2)

The student will discuss the assigned reading material on Ethical Standards with fellow classmates in the Discussions. The student will write a thread of at least 250 words for each Module: Week and reply in 100 words to at least 2 classmates’ initial threads.

Design Evaluation Assignment

The student will select two web pages. One of the pages should be a page the student considers to be a good design. The other page should be one the student considers to be a poor design. Indicate why or why not each page represents a good or poor design.

Task Analysis Interview Assignment

The student will interview a person about a task he/she performs on his/her job. The person can be a parent, spouse, friend, or colleague - the student may choose anyone. The student will ask this person a minimum of twenty questions that will help the student perform a task analysis. The assignment will be split into four sections:

Section 1: List the questions the student asked the interviewee and include his/her answers.
Section 2: In a minimum of 150 words, the student will describe what was observed when the  interviewee was witnessed actually performing the task. Note any differences between the
information gathered in the interview and the direct observation.
Section 3: In a minimum of 250 words, describe the task to be automated (task analysis).
Section 4: In a minimum of 100 words, describe the user base (i.e., number of expected
users, age, gender, experience/knowledge about performing the task, etc.).

Guideline Examples Assignment

Using a set of provided design guidelines, the student will provide an example of one web page or application that violates each guideline and one web page or application that illustrates adherence to each guideline. A different web page or application must be used for each example. The student will write one paragraph for each example, (1) describing the violation or adherence, and (2) the effect it will likely have on the user.

Budgeting System Menu Assignment

The student will create a menu for a company’s budgeting system. In a Word document, in 300 words or more, the student will describe how a menu would be implemented. In the same Word document, the student will draw mock-ups of how each menu will appear.

GUI Design Assignment

The student will design a GUI that will manage clients, contracts, and projects.

Help Module Assignment

The student will develop appropriate messages to the user and write a Help module
for an Inventory Control system.

Color Theory Guidelines Assignment

This assignment reinforces the student's understanding of the proper use of icons and colors in
application and web design. The student will identify proper use of colors and icons and create icons and pictures according to color theory guidelines.

Usability Test Assignment

The student will write a test plan for the applications or web pages selected as “poor”
and “good" in the Design Evaluation Assignment. The test plan should include a statement of the scope or purpose of the test, a time table for the test (i.e., how long should a testing session take), the test methodology, the test participants, and the location/setting of the test. The test plan should be at least 300 words.