In the evolving world of digital technology, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and User Experience (UX) Design play a crucial role in shaping how users interact with various technological systems and interfaces. These domains focus on enhancing the usability, accessibility, and satisfaction of digital platforms and devices. They bridge the gap between users and technology, ensuring that digital innovations are functional but also user-friendly and intuitive.
The challenges in HCI and UX Design are multifaceted, ranging from understanding diverse user needs and expectations to designing aesthetically pleasing interfaces that are easy to navigate. The goal is to create experiences tailored to the user, promoting engagement, efficiency, and satisfaction.
In this context, Artificial Intelligence (AI) emerges as an additional layer, offering tools and technologies to refine and enhance user experiences. AI’s role, though not central, is significant in introducing personalized, adaptive, and intelligent features to HCI and UX Design. It aids in addressing some of the complex challenges and also opens new avenues for innovation and improvement. As we explore the depths of HCI and UX, the subtle integration of AI technologies offers a glimpse into the future of enriched and dynamic user interactions.
In this topic, students will explore the foundational and advanced principles of User-Centered Design (UCD) and their critical role in developing effective information systems. The focus will be on understanding the users, their needs, and contexts to design systems that offer enhanced usability, accessibility, and user satisfaction. Students will delve into various stages of UCD, including user research, ideation, prototyping, and user testing.
Potential Subtopics:
User Research Techniques:
- Examination of qualitative and quantitative methods to gather insights about the users, their behaviors, needs, motivations, and challenges.
- Ideation and Prototyping: Exploration of tools and techniques for ideation, sketching, and creating interactive prototypes to visualize design solutions.
- Usability Metrics: Analysis of key metrics to evaluate the usability of information systems, including effectiveness, efficiency, and satisfaction.
- Accessibility: Study of design principles to ensure information systems are accessible to people with a range of abilities and disabilities.
2. Usability Testing and Evaluation: Methods and Best Practices**
This topic will guide students through the various methods and best practices associated with usability testing and evaluation. Emphasis will be placed on planning, conducting, and analyzing usability tests to improve the user experience of information systems. Students will learn to identify usability issues, recommend improvements, and communicate findings effectively.
Potential Subtopics:
- Planning Usability Tests: Detailed study on preparing test plans, selecting participants, and defining metrics and goals for usability testing.
- Conducting Usability Tests: Hands-on experience executing different usability tests, including formative, summative, remote, and in-person testing.
- Analyzing and Reporting Findings: Techniques to analyze data, identify usability issues, and communicate findings to stakeholders.
- Iterative Design: Exploration of the iterative process of continually testing and refining designs to enhance the user experience.
Each student will select a subtopic within these broader themes, conduct an in-depth study, and present their findings. The objective is to foster a comprehensive understanding of the role of UCD principles and usability testing in enhancing the user experience of information systems. By the end of the semester, students should be equipped with practical knowledge and skills to design and evaluate user-friendly information systems effectively.
Assessment:
Students will be assessed based on the quality of their research, the depth of their analysis, the viability of their recommendations, and the effectiveness of their presentations. The final paper should culminate their research findings, offering insights, analysis, and actionable recommendations for enhancing the user experience in information systems.
- Lehrende(r): Razan Masood