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COMP30960

Academic Year 2024/2025

Human Computer Interaction (COMP30960)

Subject:
Computer Science
College:
Science
School:
Computer Science
Level:
3 (Degree)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Assoc Professor David Coyle
Trimester:
Autumn
Mode of Delivery:
Blended
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) is a distinctive branch of computer science dedicated to understanding the relationship between people and computers. It provides a set of techniques that enable software engineers to develop computing applications that better respond to the needs, abilities and interests of customers, clients and end-users. This module provides theoretical grounding, practical knowledge, and hands on experience of key skills needed to design and build better interfaces for computing systems.

The module addresses core areas of the ACM SIGCHI Curricula for Human-Computer Interaction and is intended for students with no prior experience in Human Computer Interaction.

The module covers the following core topics:
1. Human cognition and models of interaction
2. Usability and user experience
3. Interface design using user-centred and iterative methods
4. Interface development and rapid prototyping
5. Experimental design and statistics for HCI
6. Qualitative and quantitative evaluation strategies

This module will also emphasise the overlap between HCI and software engineering, and consider ways in which interface and software lifecycles can complement and hinder the development of effective interfaces.

Please note: This module is an introductory module. It is not appropriate for students with prior experience of human computer interaction, e.g. those who have previously taken a module in human computer interaction, interaction design, or user experience.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On completing the module, students will be able to:
1. Understand different theoretical perspectives on cognition and human behaviour that are relevant to the design of interactive systems.
2. Propose and apply design approaches that are suitable to different classes of interactive system.
3. Rapidly prototype new interactive systems.
4. Identify appropriate techniques for analysis and critique of user interfaces.
5. Undertake quantitative and qualitative studies in order to evaluate and improve the design of interactive systems.

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Specified Learning Activities

24
Autonomous Student Learning

48
Lectures

24
Practical

12
Total

108

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Lectures.
Design practicals.
Group exercises.
Case studies.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Incompatibles:
IS41520 - UXD: User-Centered Design


 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Group Work Assignment: All students will undertake a group project, focused in the development and implementation of the controlled user study or design project. Week 10 Graded No
30
 No
Assignment(Including Essay): Individual assignments will be assigned throughout the trimester, corresponding to lab activities. Week 2, Week 4, Week 6, Week 8, Week 10 Graded No
20
 No
Quizzes/Short Exercises: There will be a final quiz in week 12. This will take place in class and will be closer-book. Week 12 Graded No
50
 No

Carry forward of passed components
No
 

Remediation Type Remediation Timing
In-Module Resit Prior to relevant Programme Exam Board
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Peer review activities
• Self-assessment activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.

Name Role
Cristina Perea del Olmo Tutor

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Autumn Practical Offering 1 Week(s) - Autumn: Weeks 2-12 Fri 13:00 - 13:50
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 Mon 16:00 - 16:50
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks Wed 12:00 - 12:50
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