Graphical Interfaces

The course can be part of the following programmes:

1. Computer Science, Master's Programme (N2COS)
2. Applied Data Science, Master's Programme (N2ADS)
3. Computer Science, Bachelor's Programme (N1COS)

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

To be eligible for the course the student must have a Bachelor degree of 180 credits. Additionally, the course DAT420 Human - computer interaction, 7.5 credits, or the equivalent is required.

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

Content includes, but is not limited to:

• Commonly used interaction design solutions in graphical interfaces
• Designing for users on different levels (e.g. beginners vs. experts)
• Designing interaction sequences
• Layout of graphical user interfaces;
• Designing look and feel; using color, text and graphics
• Correct use of graphical user interface elements such as controls, toolbars, menus, dialogues etc.
• The difference between regular user interfaces and touch-based interfaces.

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

Knowledge and understanding

• decide on how and when to use different graphical interface elements
• decide on how to use keypaths and scenarios to create an interaction sequence
• utilize commonly used interaction design solutions for graphical interfaces
• re-design an existing user interface, and decide on which part of the existing design solution needs to be changed and in what way

Competence and skills

• Design a graphical user interface adapted to a specific use and user in terms of: layout, interaction sequence, correct use of controls and look and feel.
• Design a graphical user interface which is manipulated via mouse and keyboard
• Design a graphical user interface for a touch-based interaction
• Verbally and in short written form present their design and motivate design decisions
• Evaluate usability and user experience in a graphical user interface

Judgement and approach

• Solve interaction design problems related to graphical interfaces and motivate your solutions
• Design a relatively complex graphical interface, and be able to provide a valid design rationale for it.
• Being able to select and apply previouly existing design solutions to new graphical interfaces.
• Being able to, from a scenario, extract a users needs.

The course is highly practical. Lectures and literature give a theoretical foundation, but this theory is immediately put into practice. When practicing, focus is upon motivating, making and analyzing the design decisions made. Most of the work is done in groups of various sizes but there is also a significant amount of individual work. The group project is done as a role-play with internal or external client as stakeholder.

Language of instruction: English

The course is examined through three modules, namely:

• Group-based lab exercise (Fail, Pass)
• Home exam, (Fail, Pass)
• Individual design project (Fail, Pass)

To pass the course, one has to pass all parts of it.

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, 4 credits
   Grading scale: Pass (G) and Fail (U)
2. Laboratory work, 1.5 credits
   Grading scale: Pass (G) and Fail (U)
3. Take home examination, 2 credits
   Grading scale: Pass (G) and Fail (U)

The grading scale comprises: Pass (G) and Fail (U).
To pass the course, all mandatory components must be passed.

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 TIA106, 7.5 credits. The course cannot be included in a degree which contains TIA106. Neither can the course be included in a degree which is based on another degree in which the course TIA106 is included.

It is recommended that students completed the course TIA108 Prototyping in Interaction Design.