module specification

This module provides an understanding of systems analysis and design with an emphasis on user-interface design issues.  Students will apply modelling techniques to ensure an appropriate system to meet the needs of end users through case studies. The module covers various approaches to reflect the range of legacy and new systems that students will encounter in the work environment. 

This module develops:
• an awareness of various approaches to systems development;
•  the ability to apply systems analysis and design techniques to practical problems;
•  recognition of the importance of user involvement in systems development;
• an understanding of software usability issues. 

Systems analysis techniques – requirements elicitation (e.g. interviews, surveys, JAD workshops, prototyping etc); modelling (e.g. DFM, LDM, etc; use case model, class diagram, etc)

System development methods – iterative/waterfall; OO/structured; heavyweight/lightweight; Agile. Specific methods such as SSADM (Structured Systems Analysis and Design Method), RAD (Rapid Application Development), RUP (Rational Unified Process), AUP (Agile Unified Process), DSDM (Dynamic Systems Development Method), XP (Extreme Programming).  The roles and responsibilities of users in various software development approaches;

Aspects of system design, including interaction design (e.g. storyboards, wireframes, testing, evaluation of usability, etc.), database (e.g. normalisation, EAR modelling etc), software architecture (e.g. subsystems – layers, partitions etc), human activities (e.g. task analysis); implementation issues (e.g. product and platform constraints and characteristics)

Theory, practice and principles of interaction design , including relevant standards e.g. ISO 13407 Human-centred Design Processes for Interactive Systems

Formal lectures (1 hour per week) will be delivered where the aim will be to communicate theoretical aspects of systems analysis and design, and user-interface design. Students will gain knowledge of the tools and techniques available for user requirements, analysis, design and usability during these lectures. In order to reinforce the lecture material and offer students the opportunity to apply these techniques, there will be weekly tutorial sessions (1 hour) which will be conducted in the form of group discussions or individual exercises depending on the nature of material to be covered.

This module develops practical knowledge of analysis and design through weekly workshop sessions (1 hour per week) designed to ensure that all students receive adequate hands-on experience of appropriate software. In addition students will spend time on directed, unsupervised learning for which an indication of relevant material (book chapters, journals and other publications) will be given.

Students will be advised of appropriate conference proceedings, journals and videos for the topic.

A blog runs alongside the module to inform students of weekly topics, provide links to key resources and encourage participation.

On successful completion of this module students will be able to:
LO 1 describe and compare a number of system development methods, and make an appropriate selection for a given context;
LO 2 apply a range of systems analysis techniques (including requirements elicitation, modelling, analysis), to practical case studies;
LO 3 produce outline system designs (including Human Computer Interaction (HCI), database, software architecture, human activities);
LO 4 demonstrate an understanding of the role of users in various software development approaches;
LO 5 demonstrate theoretical knowledge of the principles of interaction design;
LO 6 apply an understanding of usability issues to interaction design for a variety of platforms and products – using appropriate tools.
 

The assessment method consists of two components:
• a part-seen examination with a case study (2 hours) – LO1-6
• a coursework in two parts, based on a case study for the analysis and design of a system to meet the requirements of end users and satisfy usability criteria – LO1-6

Part one of the coursework covers the early part of the systems development process (20% of module mark). Students will be expected to make an informal presentation of their report for the part by arrangement around week 8-10. Feedback from this first part will inform choices for the second part of the coursework (30% of module mark).

Students need to be assessed on their ability to absorb and apply theoretical material such as design notation and modelling. Students also need to be assessed on their ability to demonstrate practical proficiency within a software environment. The learning outcomes encompass both theoretical and practical aspects and the assessment strategy reflects both elements.

The assessment strategy ensures that students can demonstrate practical knowledge which they will have acquired during the workshop sessions, with the use of a practical coursework element.

The assessment strategy also allows students to demonstrate their knowledge of theoretical aspects of the subject area by means of the part-seen examination which involves a case study.
 

Shneiderman, Ben (2010) Designing the user interface : strategies for effective human-
computer interaction . 5th ed. Pearson Education,
Heim, Steven G (2008) The resonant interface : HCI foundations for interaction design, Boston : Pearson/Addison Wesley.
Curtis, Graham (2008). Business information systems : analysis, design, and practice. 6th ed. Harlow : Financial Times Prentice.
Bennett, Simon (2010). Object-oriented systems analysis and design using UML . 4th ed. London : McGraw-Hill Higher Education.
Hoffer, Jeffrey A (2008). Modern systems analysis and design . 5th ed. Upper Saddle River, N.J. : Pearson Prentice Hall.
Le Peuple J & Scane R (2003), User Interface Design, Crucial
Maguire, M. (incorporating material by J. Kirakowski & N. Vereker), (1998), User-Centred Requirements Handbook v. 3.3. Deliverable D5.3, Telematics Application Project 2010 Van Harmelen M. (ed.), (2001), Object Modelling and User Interface Design, Addison Wesley
Moggridge B (2007) Designing Interactions, MIT Press, ISBN-10: 0262134748.
Saffer D (2006), Designing for Interaction: Creating Smart Applications and Clever Devices. Peachpit Press, ISBN-13: 978-0321432063.
Sharp H, Rogers Y and Preece J, (2007) Interaction Design: Beyond Human-computer Interaction. John Wiley & Sons; 2nd Edition, ISBN-13: 978-0470018668.