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CIT353Sciences2 Unitsintermediate

Introduction to Human Computer Interaction

This course introduces students to the fundamental concepts, theories, and practices of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI). It explores user perspectives, system-oriented approaches, and design principles for effective user interfaces. Topics include interaction models, ergonomics, common interaction styles, design guidelines, evaluation methods, and the impact of technology on users, including those with disabilities. The course also covers interactions in hypertext, multimedia, and the World Wide Web.

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120h
Study Time
13
Weeks
9h
Per Week
basic
Math Level
Course Keywords
Human-Computer InteractionUser Interface DesignInteraction StylesUsability EvaluationDesign Principles

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
Math Level
Basic Math
🔬
Learning Type
Hands-on Practice

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Human-Computer Interaction

2

Interaction Design

3

Usability

4

User Interface

5

Cognitive Models

6

Evaluation Methods

7

Design Principles

8

Web Technologies

Total Topics8 topics

Requirements

Knowledge and skills recommended for success

Basic Computer Literacy

Introduction to Programming

💡 Don't have all requirements? Don't worry! Many students successfully complete this course with basic preparation and dedication.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

Assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Tutor Marked Assessments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Final Examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

UI/UX Designer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Usability Engineer

Apply your skills in this growing field

HCI Researcher

Apply your skills in this growing field

Web Developer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Interaction Designer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

Software DevelopmentWeb DesignMobile ApplicationsGamingE-commerceHealthcare Technology

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: Survey of Human-Computer Interaction Concepts, Theories and Practice

2h

Unit 1: Concepts, Theories and History

2 study hours
  • Understand the definition of Human Computer Interaction.
  • Explore the goals of HCI studies and research.
  • Examine different interaction techniques and styles.
  • Study the paradigms and history of HCI.
Week
2

Module 1: Survey of Human-Computer Interaction Concepts, Theories and Practice

2h

Unit 2: Survey of Human Computer Interaction Practices

2 study hours
  • Review the overview of a computer system.
  • Identify different text entry devices and their layouts.
  • Understand handwriting and speech recognition technologies.
  • Explore positioning, pointing, and drawing devices.
Week
3

Module 1: Survey of Human-Computer Interaction Concepts, Theories and Practice

2h

Unit 3: Basic Components of Human Computer Interaction

2 study hours
  • Study the interaction models and terms of interaction.
  • Understand Donald Norman's model of interaction.
  • Explore the concepts of ergonomics.
  • Examine common interaction styles such as command line, menus, and natural language.
Week
4

Module 1: Survey of Human-Computer Interaction Concepts, Theories and Practice

2h

Unit 4: Critical Evaluation of Computer Based Technology

2 study hours
  • Critically evaluate multi-sensory systems.
  • Understand multi-modal and multi-media systems.
  • Examine speech recognition and related technologies.
  • Explore recognition and gesture devices for the elderly and disabled.
Week
5

Module 2: User Perspectives of Human-Computer Interaction

2h

Unit 1: User Oriented Perspective of Human Computer Interaction : Social Human Thrust

2 study hours
  • Understand organizational issues and stakeholder requirements.
  • Explore socio-technical models and soft systems methodology.
  • Examine participatory design, ethnography, and contextual inquiry.
Week
6

Module 2: User Perspectives of Human-Computer Interaction

2h

Unit 2: User Oriented Perspective of Human Computer Interaction : Cognitive Human Thrust

2 study hours
  • Study cognitive models and inspection methods.
  • Apply inquiry methods on problems of cognition.
  • Explain prototyping methods.
  • Carry out evaluation using tests and metrics methods.
Week
7

Module 2: User Perspectives of Human-Computer Interaction

2h

Unit 3: System Oriented Perspective of Human Computer Interaction-Improving the User's Technological Perspective

2 study hours
  • Understand help supports available to the users.
  • Describe user modeling and knowledge representation.
  • Learn how to design user supports.
Week
8

Module 2: User Perspectives of Human-Computer Interaction

2h

Unit 4: Devices Technological Perspective Interaction Styles and Devices Technological Perspective

2 study hours
  • Understand the various available interaction styles.
  • Distinguish among the interaction styles.
  • Understand elements of WIMP interface.
  • Learn and be able to choose Widgets.
Week
9

Module 3: Designs of Human-Computer Interaction

2h

Unit 1: Design Guidelines, Rules and Principles

2 study hours
  • Select design guidelines.
  • Know how to monitor guidelines and carry out prototype tests.
  • Understand the concept of translating selected guidelines into design rules.
  • Know the importance of documenting design rules.
Week
10

Module 3: Designs of Human-Computer Interaction

2h

Unit 2: Evaluation Methods

2 study hours
  • Express your understanding of the three main evaluation techniques: cognitive walkthrough, heuristic, and review-based evaluations.
  • Master available methods of evaluating interaction design and its implementation.
  • Select the best evaluation methods among the options available.
Week
11

Module 3: Designs of Human-Computer Interaction

2h

Unit 3: Participatory Design

2 study hours
  • Know the meanings of user-centered design, distributed participatory design, and ethnography.
  • Describe the characteristics of Participatory Design (PD).
  • Understand Hybridism and the Third Space concept.
  • Explain the diversity of Participatory Design techniques operating in third spaces.
Week
12

Module 3: Designs of Human-Computer Interaction

2h

Unit 4: System Interactive Design Patterns

2 study hours
  • Know the guides for developing effective design patterns.
  • Understand the processes of design.
  • Describe various screen designs and layout.
  • Know how to design acceptable presentation.
Week
13

Module 4: Design of User and System Interfaces

3h

Unit 5: Interactions in Hypertext, Multimedia and the World Wide Web

2 study hours
  • Understand hypertext and multimedia.
  • Examine web technology and network issues.
  • Explore design implications of the Web.
  • Review static and dynamic web content.

Final Revision

1 study hours
  • Review all modules and units
  • Prepare for TMAs

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

Access PDF Material

Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Review definitions of key HCI concepts from Unit 1.

2

Practice identifying different interaction styles (Unit 3) and their appropriate use cases.

3

Create a table summarizing usability evaluation methods (Unit 2) and their pros/cons.

4

Study Shneiderman's 8 Golden Rules (Module 3, Unit 1) and Norman's 7 Design Principles (Module 4, Unit 2).

5

Analyze case studies of good and bad UI design, applying the principles learned.

6

Focus on understanding the design implications of web technologies (Module 4, Unit 5).

7

Practice solving problems related to user interface design and usability.

8

Create concept maps linking Units 3-5 design concepts.

9

Review all TMAs and assignments, focusing on areas where you had difficulty.

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