MSc. Computer User Interface Design (now known as 'IT Usability') London Guildhall University
Units taken and deliverables:
1 Introduction to User Interface Prototyping tools
Paper prototyping and VB interactive interface development as part of design development. Creation of VB prototype interface to Personal Organiser
2 Human Computer Interaction Theory
Explored research theory and key principles relevant to HCI. Compared and evaluated the different approaches. Delivery of a paper and Powerpoint presentation: ‘When the Interface is a Face’* (Exploring the problems and advantages of interacting with simulated humans)
3 Personal Applications
Case studies and discussion of a range of products and Multimedia applications. Critical evaluation of telephone answering machines
4 Organisational, Process and Professional Aspects
The role of professional designer within organisations as specialist in usability. Delivery of paper and presentation concerning Usability Laboratories,* and commentary concerning all specialisations within development environment
5 Research and development
Study of basic qualitative and quantitative data collection, analysis tools and techniques such as Focus Group, walkthroughs and observational techniques, by means of workshops. Systems Development Lifecycle: Project management, requirements documentation applied to Web development project. Results presented in team workbook with individual sections
6 In Company Business Applications
Study of user interfaces to groupware and issues concerning multi-user products. Team development of Intranet (A resource for UID students) with emphasis on usability and quality assurance, and an interface facilitating informal communication within the college environment
7 Usability Solution Research
Development of prototype interface that addresses a usability problem, applying usability engineering to the development of a solution. Presented VB prototype interface to Database
8 Usability Support Research
Supporting the goals of clients by means of applying usability engineering in format of paper or software based items. Work demonstrated in oral presentations
9 Public Access Application
Evaluation and an in depth analysis of a variety of interfaces in public use. e.g. ticket machines, government websites. Delivery of a number of reports and presentations
10 Major Project
Project definition, requirements, development and evaluation of interface. Website design for Textile Group. (www.62group.freeuk.com)
* Denotes Distinction

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