Syllabus for Graphical Interfaces

Aim

After the course, you should be able to design a relatively complex graphic user interface, and be able to provide a valid design rationale for it.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding
- Know how to adapt a graphical interfaces towards use and users
- Know how and when to use different graphical interface elements
- Know how to use keypaths and scenarios to create an interaction sequence
- Know about commonly used interaction design solutions for graphical interfaces.
- Know how to use wireframes to create a layout of a graphical interface

Skills and abilities
- Being able to 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.

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.
- Understand the difference between different platforms; their constraints and possibilities.
- Being able to select and apply previouly existing design solutions to new graphical interfaces.
- Being able to, from a scenario extract a users needs in terms of graphical interface solutions.

Content

Content includes, but is not limited to:
- Commonly used interaction design solutions in graphical interfaces
- Designing for users on different levlels (e.g. beginners vs. experts)
- Keypaths and scenarios
- Designing interaction sequences
- The process from task to graphical user interface design
- Layout of graphical user interfaces; wireframing
- Designing look and feel; using color, text and graphics
- Correct use of graphical user interface elements such as controls, toolbars, menus, dialogues etc.
- Designing for smart phones and other non-traditional graphical interfaces

Organization

The course is highly practical. Lectures and literature give a theoretical foundation, but this theory is immediately put into practice in a series of small exercises and a few larger projects. 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.

Literature

- Cooper, Reimann & Cronin: About Face 3.0: The Essentials of Interaction Design, Wiley
- Relevant papers on selected topics

Examination

The course is examined through three modules, namely:
- Group-based lab exercise, 2 credits (Fail, 3 4, 5)
- Individual written exam that takes place in an examination hall, 2 credits (Fail, 3, 4, 5)
- Individual design project, 3.5 credits (Fail, 3, 4, 5)

Prerequisites

To be eligible for the course the student must have a Bachelor degree of 180 credits. Additionally, the course Human - computer interaction, 7.5 credits (TDA289), or the equivalent is required. It is recommended that students have completed the course Prototyping in interaction design (CIU175).