This is a unit in the Software Development major of the new Bachelor of Information Technology.

Introduced for course architecture programs. Effective semester 1, 2016

Exam changed to 2hrs in line with University policy. Effective semester 1, 2018

07/12/2017 - Updating prerequisites to include the new programming unit.

16/07/2019: Admin - Update Chief Examiner, and amend the exam duration to include the additional 10 minutes as per University requirements.

4/5/2020: As the MSA course 4307 Bachelor of Computer and Information Sciences is in teach-out, the MSA offering of this unit has been re-coded to FZA3175 effective Semester 2, 2020. These units will be managed by South Africa and therefore no separate Monatar entries will be made

23/09/2020 Admin: Update to include new assessment and teaching approach fields as per Handbook requirements.

25/01/2021 Admin: Update to change the weights of assignments (now 70%) and evaluation (now 30%). The reason is that more weight will be put on the assignment as students will be evaluated more on their ability to directly apply what they learn in the User Interface Design project.

17/02/2021: Admin - adding breakdown of assessment as advised by the CE via email.

23/07/2021: Admin - adding amendment for CE - add FIT2085 as a prereq for Software Engineering students as they do not complete FIT1045 and therefore do not currently meet the requirements to do this unit.

This unit is an elective unit in the third year of the Bachelor of Information Technology, as part of the Business Information Systems major.

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. explain the theories and principles of usability as applied to interface and interaction design;
2. apply usability principles to the design of interfaces for Web, small screen and mobile devices;
3. design an interface for user diversity and accessibility;
4. employ user-centred design;
5. evaluate an interface and interaction design.

029900

This unit explores the underpinning theories, principles and practices of interface design to achieve usable computer-based systems. It examines issues in the design of system interfaces from a number of perspectives: user, programmer, designer. It explores the application of the relevant theories in practice. The unit will cover topics such as methods and tools for developing effective user interfaces, evaluation methods such as the conduct of usability and heuristic evaluations, design of appropriate interface elements including the design of menus and other interaction styles. The unit will also focus on designing for a diverse range of users and environments.

Pre-reading materials as well as other relevant study materials are provided on Moodle. Students must regularly check Moodle for announcements and updates. Computer labs contain the necessary software for student use.

Recommended resources

Pre-reading materials, as well as other relevant study materials, are provided on Moodle. Students must regularly check Moodle for announcements and updates. Computer labs contain the necessary software for student use.

Technological requirements

Pre-reading materials as well as other relevant study materials are provided on Moodle. Students must regularly check Moodle for announcements and updates. Computer labs contain the necessary software for student use.

On-campus

Active learning

Lecture and/or tutorials or problem classes

The teaching and learning approaches for this unit provide facilitated learning, practical exploration and active peer learning (flipped classroom) through a variety of activities.

Examination (2 hours and 10 minutes): 30%; In-semester assessment: 70%

1. Assignment 1: - 20% - ULO: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
2. Assignment 2: - 20% - ULO: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
3. Assignment 3: - 20% - ULO: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
4. Assignment 4: - 10% - ULO: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
5. Examination (2 hours and 10 minutes): - 30% - ULO: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

(a.) Contact hours for on-campus students:

(b.) Additional requirements (all students):

One of FIT1045, FIT1053, FIT1048, FIT1051, FIT2085 or equivalent