CS3106: Human Computer Interaction
This module is offered in 2026-27.
Aims
- To examine in depth HCI design techniques, interaction techniques and evaluation methods.
- To study the concept of usability, and the methods and tools to encourage it, achieve it, and measure it.
- To study how to ask research questions, frame a hypothesis, collect evidence, analyse this and drawn conclusions.
- To study the techniques involved in designing the user interface along with qualitative and quantitative research methods.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module, the student should:
- Understand interface design guidelines, standards, ergonomics and heuristics.
- Understand the principles of visual information communication.
- Be able to implement user interactive systems and evaluate their effectiveness.
- Be able to apply structured methods to interface design.
- Have gained experience in current audio, visual and manipulative input devices.
Syllabus
- Abstraction: how to abstract from particular interaction problems or requirements to design generic solutions.
- Analysis: how to use theories of HCI and ergonomics to design efficient interfaces for a variety of able-bodied and non-able-bodied users.
- Programming: how to structure interfaces and construct them for different environments and users.
- Communication: how to communicate ideas, designs and solutions and elicit requirements efficiently and effectively.
- Criticism: how to analyse various systems, evaluate and criticise system limitations.
Compulsory Elements
This module has no compulsory elements beyond those common to all modules.