IT Systems: Cultural Context, Communication, Usability and Usability Evaluation
2022/2023
Content, progress and pedagogy of the module
Disclaimer.
This is an English translation of the module. In case of
discrepancy between the translation and the Danish version, the
Danish version of the module is valid.
PURPOSE
To provide the student with insight into users' and IT
systems' communicative aspects, as well as basic analytical
skills in relation to describing and understanding IT-supported
communication and interaction. This knowledge must be combined with
an insight into basic principles of human-machine interaction and
methods for assessing the usability of specific IT systems
REASONS
IT systems are communicative systems that facilitate the exchange
of information and communication on several levels. However, IT
systems are often difficult to use for users because the systems do
not necessarily fit into the users' conceptual world and
activities; these systems may be characterized by a low level of
usability. Therefore, it is partly central to establish
competencies to understand and analyze the importance of IT systems
for how users interact with the systems. On the one hand, it is
crucial to understand what a system's usability is and how it
can be evaluated
CONTENTS:
The course is organized around two main elements:
- The course introduces the basic theories and concepts of human-machine interaction that relate to usability. It then reviews principles, methods and guidelines for usability evaluation of graphical user interfaces and how these are used to evaluate the usability of specific systems.
- The course introduces selected theories and methods that aim to adress and analyze the communicative dimensions of IT systems, as well as any consequences and possibilities for users and developers. The elements of the course are: basic communication theory and analysis, basic cultural theory and analysis as well as media theory in relation to digital media.
The course is run as a separate module in relation to the students' project work and choice of project.
Learning objectives
Knowledge
Knowledge of users and IT systems' communicative aspects, as well as basic analytical skills in relation to describing and understanding IT-supported communication and interaction.
This knowledge must be combined with an insight into basic principles of human-machine interaction and methods for assessing the usability of specific IT systems
Skills
- be able to apply theory and method in relation to analysis of IT-supported communication
- be able to decide how and with what effects are communicated through IT systems
- be able to explain the concept of usability and explain the activities in a usability evaluation
Competences
- have practiced the ability to think in optimal IT-based information and communication solutions
- have practiced the ability to plan and perform a usability evaluation of a specific system
Type of instruction
The teaching is also organized in accordance with the general teaching methods for the education, cf. section 17.
Extent and expected workload
The student is expected to spend 30 hours per ECTS, which for this activity means 150 hours.
Exam
Exams
| Name of exam | IT Systems: Cultural Context, Communication, Usability and Usability Evaluation |
| Type of exam | Written or oral exam |
| ECTS | 5 |
| Assessment | 7-point grading scale |
| Type of grading | Internal examination |
| Criteria of assessment | The criteria of assessment are stated in the Examination Policies and Procedures |
Additional information
Contact: Study Board for Computer Science via cs-sn@cs.aau.dk or 9940 8854
Facts about the module
| Danish title | IT-Systemer: Kulturel kontekst, kommunikation, brugbarhed og brugbarhedsevaluering |
| Module code | DSNBAITB114 |
| Module type | Course |
| Duration | 1 semester |
| Semester | Autumn
|
| ECTS | 5 |
| Language of instruction | Danish and English |
| Empty-place Scheme | Yes |
| Location of the lecture | Campus Aalborg |
| Responsible for the module |
Organisation
| Study Board | Study Board of Computer Science |
| Department | Department of Computer Science |
| Faculty | The Technical Faculty of IT and Design |
