Usability and User Experience Design, 7.5 Credits

Contents

The aim of the course is to study concepts, methods, and techniques of usability engineering, with focus on artefacts where user experience is essential. Historically, usability has covered aspects as efficiency, learnability, etc. Today, a large number of IT artefacts include other measures of success, such as playability, engagement, entertainment, immersion and aesthetics. After the course, students will be able to design and conduct usability studies of both traditional artefacts and systems where experience is important.

Expected learning outcomes

After having completed the course the student will be able to:

- describe the relation between design and evaluation of IT-design projects, especially the relation between usability and experience design,
- evaluate the quality of usability evaluations of IT-artifacts from both a theoretical perspective of evaluation methods and ones own experience of evaluation,
- independently plan, perform and make a report about both an expert evaluation and an empirical usability evaluation of IT-artifacts for which experience is a central aspect, and
- actively and independently be able to orientate in and evaluate current research within the subject area of the course.

Required Knowledge

Prerequisites for the course are 45 credits in Informatics, Computer Science or Cognitive Science, or equivalent, including at least one course (7.5 credits) in Human-Computer Interaction, or equivalent.

Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English A (IELTS (Academic) with a minimum overall score of 5.5 and no individual score below 5.0. TOEFL PBT (Paper-based Test) with a minimum total score of 530 and a minimum TWE score of 4. TOEFL iBT (Internet-based Test) with a minimum total score of 72 and a minimum score of 17 on the Writing Section). Where the language of instruction is Swedish, applicants must prove proficiency in Swedish to the level required for basic eligibility for higher studies.

Form of instruction

Teaching is given mainly in the form of lectures and tutorials in connection with self-instruction and when performing obligatory computer laboratory assignments or other assignments. Some parts of the course can require obligatory attendance. Teaching can be done in English. All necessary computer applications to be used by the students on their own are introduced and maintained during the course. Some assistance is provided when using these applications. Good knowledge in performing written presentations and the English language are important in order to be able to complete the course.

During the course the student will have round the clock access to several of the departments computer laboratories, except when these have been booked for other courses.

Examination modes

Examination is given in the form of individual assignments and group work. Final grades are pass with distinction, pass or fail. For students who fail the first exam a second exam is normally given soon afterwards. Students who do not pass the exam after these two attempts have the possibility to take the exam three more times when the exam is given. To be able to do so requires that the student be registered for the course during the term the exam is given. Additional attempts to take the exam require permission of the director of studies or the student counselor.

Transfer of Credits from Equivalent Courses
Transfer of credits from equivalent courses is handled in accordance with Umeå University rules and guidelines. An application for credit transfer on a course can be sent to Umeå University, Student Services, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden.