Course syllabus for Interaction design methodology

Course syllabus adopted 2023-02-02 by Head of Programme (or corresponding).

Overview

  • Swedish nameInteraction design methodology
  • CodeTDA498
  • Credits7.5 Credits
  • OwnerMPIDE
  • Education cycleSecond-cycle
  • Main field of studyComputer Science and Engineering, Software Engineering
  • ThemeMTS 7.5 c
  • DepartmentCOMPUTER SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
  • GradingTH - Pass with distinction (5), Pass with credit (4), Pass (3), Fail

Course round 1

  • Teaching language English
  • Application code 23123
  • Maximum participants70 (at least 10% of the seats are reserved for exchange students)
  • Open for exchange studentsYes
  • Only students with the course round in the programme overview.

Credit distribution

0121 Take-home examination 4.5 c
Grading: TH		4.5 c0 c0 c0 c0 c0 c
0221 Project 3 c
Grading: UG		3 c0 c0 c0 c0 c0 c

In programmes

Examiner

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Eligibility

General entry requirements for Master's level (second cycle)
Applicants enrolled in a programme at Chalmers where the course is included in the study programme are exempted from fulfilling the requirements above.

Specific entry requirements

English 6 (or by other approved means with the equivalent proficiency level)
Applicants enrolled in a programme at Chalmers where the course is included in the study programme are exempted from fulfilling the requirements above.

Course specific prerequisites

To be eligible for the course the student must have succesfully completed a
bachelor thesis course, e.g. DATX02.In addition, the student must have
succesfully completed a 7,5 HEC course in Human-computer interaction, e.
g. TDA289 or DAT215.

Aim

The course introduces basic design methodology in interaction design with focus on design issues related to user experience and aesthetics. The course consists of several smaller exercises, a group project, and an individual examination. Theory is combined with practical training to give students training in working systematically with the design of computational things and systems. Training in specific design methods are provided through exercises and the group project while meta methods such as iterative design are aspects of the group project.

Learning outcomes (after completion of the course the student should be able to)

Knowledge and understanding

  • describe stages of the design process
  • describe methods for working with interaction design
  • describe the similarities and differences of different design methods
  • describe considerations for involving users in the design process
  • explain the difference between the methods employed in craftsmanship, traditional design, and modern design

 Skills and abilities

  • design technology with regards to users
  • modify design methods to fit the context and needs of users
  • identify needs and requirements for users
  • develop and describe new design methods
  • plan design projects with respect to design goals, stakeholders' requirements, and available resources and expertise
  • conduct work in an inter-cultural environment (including both cultural and educational backgrounds)

Judgement and approach

  • analyze designs taking into account the needs of users
  • make an informed evaluation of the ethical and societal impacts of a design
  • criticize designs and design processes with respect to the methods used
  • identify ethical and social dilemmas in interaction design research and practice
  • reflect on your own design process objectively
  • design with regards to aesthetical issues of interaction

Content

The course introduces basic design methodology in interaction design. The course consists of several smaller exercises, a group project, and an individual examination.
Theory is combined with practical training to give students practice in working systematically with the design of computational things and systems. Training in specific design methods is provided through exercises and the group project while meta methods such as iterative design and user centered design are aspects of the home exam.

Organisation

The course is based on lectures, exercises, group project, and an individual exam.

Literature

Course literature will be announced at the latest 8 weeks prior to the start of the course.

Examination including compulsory elements

The student is graded through a group project (3 hec) and an individual take-home examination (4,5 hec). The take home examination includes written assignments related to literature and to the group project.

To pass the course, students must receive a passing grade in both modules. The grade for the entire course will be determined by the take home examination.

The course examiner may assess individual students in other ways than what is stated above if there are special reasons for doing so, for example if a student has a decision from Chalmers on educational support due to disability.