User interfacesLaajuus (3 ECTS)

Objective

The student knows the generic structure and deployment of graphical user interfaces. The student is familiar with factors that influence usability and usability standards. The student is able to evaluate the usability, performance and ease of learning of user interfaces.

The student acquires an ability to design and implement ergonomic, user friendly software applications taking into account human-centered design principles.

Content

Introduction to the ergonomics of computer user interfaces, the fundamentals of GUI's, usability, learnability, and performance. Introduction to human information processing.

User-centered design methods and design patterns.
Usability evaluation and testing based on user centered design principles.

Qualifications

Programming

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

Usability:
- ability to define usability
- knowledge of usability standards

User-centered design methods
- knows user-centered design standards
- is able to make expert evaluations of applications
- is able to create prototypes and use them in an application

User interface design patterns:
- knows design patterns for different environments

Assessment criteria, good (3)

Usability:
- understands human cognition and is able to apply this knowledge to system evaluation
- knowledge of the difference between usability and accessibility

User-centered design methods
- is able to make usability studies
- is able to use user testing in application design

User interface design patterns:
- is able to apply design patterns

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

Usability:
- is able to apply user test results in describing work flows and to give improvement suggestions to the user interface

User-centered design methods
- is able to select appropriate methods for usability studies

User interface design patterns:
- is able to evaluate design solutions based on design patterns