Interaction design methodology

The course can be part of the following programmes:

1. Game Design & Technology, Master's Programme (N2GDT)
2. Computer Science, Master's Programme (N2COS)
3. Applied Data Science, Master's Programme (N2ADS)

The course is a also a single-subject course at Gothenburg University.

To be eligible for the course the student must have succesfully completed a bachelor thesis course, e.g. DIT561. In addition, the student must have succesfully completed a 7,5 credit course in Human-computer interaction, e.g. DIT095 or TIG091.

Applicants must prove knowledge of English: English 6/English level 2 or the equivalent level of an internationally recognized test, for example TOEFL, IELTS.

The course introduces basic design methodology in interaction design.

The course consists of several smaller exercises, a group project, and an individual examination. Theory is combined with practical training to give students practice in working systematically with the design of computational things and systems. Training in specific design methods is provided through exercises and the group project while meta methods such as iterative design and user centered design are aspects of the home exam.

After completing the course the student is expected to be able to:

Knowledge and understanding

• Describe stages of the design process
• Describe methods for working with interaction design
• Describe the similarities and differences of different design methods
• Describe considerations for involving users in the design process
• Explain the difference between the methods employed in craftsmanship, traditional design, and modern design

Competence and skills

• Design technology with regards to users
• Modify design methods to fit the context and needs of users
• Identify needs and requirements for users
• Develop and describe new design methods
• Plan design projects with respect to design goals, stakeholders' requirements, and available resources and expertise
• Conduct work in an inter-cultural environment (including both cultural and educational backgrounds)

Judgement and approach

• Analyze designs taking into account the needs of users
• Make an informed evaluation of the ethical and societal impacts of a design
• Criticize designs and design processes with respect to the methods used
• Identify ethical and social dilemmas in interaction design research and practice
• Reflect on your own design process objectively
• Design with regards to aesthetical issues of interaction

The course is based on lectures, exercises, group project, and an individual exam.

Language of instruction: English

The student is graded through a group project (3 hec) and an individual take-home examination (4,5 hec). The take home examination includes written assignments related to literature and to the group project.

If a student who has been failed twice for the same examination element wishes to change examiner before the next examination session, such a request is to be granted unless there are specific reasons to the contrary (Chapter 6 Section 22 HF).

If a student has received a certificate of disability study support from the University of Gothenburg with a recommendation of adapted examination and/or adapted forms of assessment, an examiner may decide, if this is consistent with the course’s intended learning outcomes and provided that no unreasonable resources would be needed, to grant the student adapted examination and/or adapted forms of assessment.

If a course has been discontinued or undergone major changes, the student must be offered at least two examination sessions in addition to ordinary examination sessions. These sessions are to be spread over a period of at least one year but no more than two years after the course has been discontinued/changed. The same applies to placement and internship (VFU) except that this is restricted to only one further examination session.

If a student has been notified that they fulfil the requirements for being a student at Riksidrottsuniversitetet (RIU student), to combine elite sports activities with studies, the examiner is entitled to decide on adaptation of examinations if this is done in accordance with the Local rules regarding RIU students at the University of Gothenburg.

Sub-courses

1. Take-home examination, 4.5 credits
   Grading scale: Pass (G) and Fail (U)
2. Project, 3 credits
   Grading scale: Pass (G) and Fail (U)

The grading scale comprises: Pass (G) and Fail (U). To pass the course, students must receive a passing grade in both modules.

The course is evaluated through meetings both during and after the course between teachers and student representatives. Further, an anonymous questionnaire is used to ensure written information. The outcome of the evaluations serves to improve the course by indication which parts could be added, improved, changed or removed.

The course is a joint course together with Chalmers.

The course replaces the course DIT104, 7.5 credits. The course cannot be included in a degree which contains DIT104. Neither can the course be included in a degree which is based on another degree in which the course DIT104 is included.