module specification

SM4058 - Interaction Design (2024/25)

Module specification Module approved to run in 2024/25
Module title Interaction Design
Module level Certificate (04)
Credit rating for module 15
School School of Computing and Digital Media
Total study hours 150
 
30 hours Assessment Preparation / Delivery
75 hours Guided independent study
45 hours Scheduled learning & teaching activities
Assessment components
Type Weighting Qualifying mark Description
Individual Presentation 30%   Presentation interpreting the client brief and selecting an interactive solution (15 mins).
Coursework 70%   An interactive prototype and developmental folder
Running in 2024/25

(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change)
Period Campus Day Time Module Leader
Spring semester North Wednesday Afternoon

Module summary

Interaction design is an expanding field concerned with requirements of end users of interactive digital products. This module introduces key theoretical concepts - user experience design, user-centred design, design- thinking, human- computer interaction, and digital design approaches - providing an opportunity to put these principles into practice. Putting these theoretical principles into practice involves a process of understanding both design and psychology to realise the requirements of end users. The module’s subject specific skills will enable students to understand and apply the relationship between theoretical concepts and their practical application, with one assessment involving a real client problem brief to design a solution around. The interaction design project development process will allow students to apply interaction design skills to identify the effects of interaction design on end users. The module focuses on practical applications used more than ever for the field of interaction design and emerging technologies. Practical exercises, lectures, demonstrations, and field trips will aid students in developing subject- based, practical and analytical skills to produce an interactive product.

Module Aims:
● To introduce students to key theoretical concepts in interaction design.
● To examine the effects of interactive products on end users, through prototyping.
● To provide students with a broad foundation of interactive design development.
● To introduce design thinking as a central aspect of interaction design.

Syllabus

1. Introduction to theories of human-computer interaction
2. Design methods
3. User research methods
4. User-centred design methods
5. Design stakeholder and audience requirements
6. Personas and scenarios in design
7. Prototyping techniques
8. Iterative design
9. Interface design
10. Design evaluation methods
11. User Experience Design
12. Usability
13. Creating multimedia assets
14. Interactive components
15. User Interface Kits
16. Introduction to User Experience Design
17. Design Systems
18. Libraries
19. Style Guides
20. Design Thinking
21. Generative Artificial Intelligence
22. Software for Interactive Design: Figma

Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity

This module will be delivered through a combination of modes of delivery, including formal lectures, seminars, workshops, and individual coursework. The mixed-mode module delivery will be used to encourage a supportive environment for individual and peer-group learning. A blended learning strategy will be employed to enhance the learning experience, facilitate communication between students and tutors and develop collaboration among students. The Virtual Learning Environment (VLE: Weblearn) will be used as a platform to support online activities including evaluation of online resources, access to materials and electronic reading packs. The VLE will also be used to facilitate assessment and related feedback, as well as a tool to integrate useful online learning materials provided by research institutions, academic publications, professional organisations, and other relevant sources.

Learning outcomes

Develop and present an interactive project applying key theoretical concepts in interaction design and user-centred design methods (LO1).
Plan using relevant interaction design an appropriate design solution to a predefined client brief (LO2).
Analyse appropriate design solutions to a predefined client brief (LO3).
Evaluate designing and scripting tools in the design of a solution for a predefined client brief (LO4).

Bibliography