Mobile Computing: Design and Implementation

The course can be part of the following programmes:

1. Computer Science, Master's Programme (N2COS)

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

To be eligible for the course the student must have:

• A bachelor's degree of 180 credits
• Object-oriented programming (7,5 credits) or equivalent

At least one of the following or equivalent (7,5 credits):

• DIT487 Empirical methods for user experience
• DIT104 Interaction Design Methodology
• DIT493 Graphical Interfaces
• DIT666 Concept-Driven Interaction Design
• DIT096 Human-Computer Interaction

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

We define "mobile computing" in two ways:

• Portable digital devices. Examples: smartphones, tablets, smartwatches and other wearables, RFID cards, and IoT applications...
• Applications where the user is mobile. Examples: commuting, tourism, driving, biking, sports, walking, exploring, navigating...

This course introduces concepts, methods, and technologies relevant to design and implementation of mobile computing applications. A broad range of topics is covered, from conventional smartphones and tablets, to emerging technologies.

After completion of the course the student should be able to:

Knowledge and understanding

• describe how mobile computing is defined and distinguished from other kinds of computing applications.
• describe what competences and resources are necessary for creating and utilizing mobile applications at different scales, for different purposes (e.g. startup, enterprise, agency, freelance, artistic, altruistic, and research projects).
• interpret and explain relevant technological and contextual trends in commercial value creation and academic research.
• describe the latest technological research on mobile computing, and explain why research and commercial applications may diverge.
• describe the distinction between different design methods and tools (e.g. research methods, prototyping tools and approaches) that are appropriate for mobile computing.
• describe humanistic and societal issues (e.g. health, economics, politics) that are relevant to mobile computing.
• describe the landscape of mobile computing research, building on and properly citing relevant resources.

Competence and skills

• develop functional software which runs on a mobile computing platform.
• select and execute appropriate design tactics (e.g. graphic design, typography, 3D modeling, photography, motion graphics) at an appropriate level of fidelity and excellence, to create mobile computing user interfaces.
• select and execute appropriate design tactics (e.g. graphic design, typography, 3D modeling, photography, motion graphics) at appropriate proportions and levels of excellence, to document and present mobile computing artifacts
• execute and document a complete design project which culminates in a mobile computing artifact

Judgement and approach

• execute and critique design research approaches that are appropriate for mobile computing, including ethnographic methods.
• critique the reasoning (strategy) and aesthetics (tactics) of mobile computing projects constructively. • find, utilize, and properly acknowledge non-academic technical and tactical building blocks for mobile computing designs.
• interpret, constructively critique, and contribute to discussions on mobile computing in the public sphere.
• make and justify strategic design decisions to create relevant mobile computing artifacts.

The course consists of the following kinds of activities:

• Studies (e.g. lectures, readings)
• Exercises (directly related to the Studies, carried out as individuals or groups)
• Implementation (design and/or software development exercises)
• Project (carried out as groups)

Language of instruction: English

The course consists of two modules:

• Written and Presentation Exercises: Several Written and
  Presentation Exercises are scheduled throughout the learning period. These are mostly done individually.
• Project Work: Project Work involves deliverables scheduled
  throughout the learning period, a final document and/or presentation (which weighted more than the preceding deliverables), and turning in project code. The project is done as a group work.

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. Project, 3.5 credits
   Grading scale: Pass with distinction (5), Pass with credit (4), Pass (3) and Fail (U)
2. Assignments, 4 credits
   Grading scale: Pass with distinction (5), Pass with credit (4), Pass (3) and Fail (U)

The grading scale comprises: Pass with distinction (5), Pass with credit (4), Pass (3) and Fail (U).

To pass the course, all mandatory components must be passed. To earn a higher grade than 3, a higher weighted average from the grades of the components is required.

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 TIA110, 7.5 credits. The course cannot be included in a degree which contains TIA110. Neither can the course be included in a degree which is based on another degree in which the course TIA110 is included.