Web Design & Development BSc (Hons)

Module CM0435 - Interface Design and User Experience

(20.00 Credits)

SYNOPSIS OF MODULE
This module is designed to develop the student experience in web production that goes beyond basic website creation. The module will focus on the research and development of web-based interfaces following a set of web design methodologies. There will be a strong emphasis to user experience and the technical constraints within the web design process. The assessment will be a presentation pitch and a set of design documents supporting the proposed project.


INDICATIVE READING LIST OR OTHER LEARNING RESOURCES

Recommendations for purchase by students
Brown, D (2010) Communicating Design: Developing Web Site Documentation for Design and Planning, New Riders 2nd Edition.
Unger, R & Chandler, C. (2009) A Project Guide to UX Design: For user experience designers in the field or in the making, New Riders Publishing.
Krug, S. (2009) Rocket Surgery Made Easy: The Do-it-yourself Guide to Finding and Fixing Usability Problems (Voices That Matter) [Paperback] New Riders; 2 edition.
Books
Krug, S. (2005) Don’t Make Me Think: A common sense approach to web usability New Riders; 2 edition.
Nielsen, J & Loranger, H. (2006) Prioritizing Web Usability. New Raiders.
Nielsen, J (2000) Alert Box – Web Articles relation to usability. New Raiders.
Nielsen, J (2000) Design Web Usability. New Raiders.
Norman, D. (2002) The Psychology of Everyday Things . The MIT Press
Nielsen, J., (2000) Designing Web Usability: The Practice of Simplicity, New Riders Publishing.
Journal Articles
Barnum, Carol M. Usability testing essentials: ready, set-- test! eBook, Electronic resource, Book. English. Electronic books. Published Amsterdam ; London : Morgan Kaufmann 2011
Journals and Newspapers Titles


Databases and Websites







OUTLINE SYLLABUS
1. Current and emerging web design patterns
2. Critical evaluation techniques based on the design patterns
3. User experience design and user needs analysis
4. Wire-frame & information architecture
5. Presentation of designs – pitching for business
6. Personal development planning and learning skills




AIMS OF MODULE
The aim of the module is to instil good practice in web production. Students will develop skills in user needs analysis and designing template sites to match their needs in accordance with web design patterns and standards.
Using critical evaluation techniques students are expected to analyse a web production problems and pitch a set of design ideas to a client. They will be asked to plan a set of prototype designs.



LEARNING OUTCOMES
1. Describe the theoretical and practical developments of web design patterns and user needs analysis.
2. Use research practices to inform the development of a web product.
3. Evaluate a variety of web products to support user needs and experience and design an appropriate wireframe and screen designs
4. Use a variety of communication methods to present ideas i.e. conduct a meeting and present a project proposal and supporting PDP.



PRE-REQUISITES
None


CO-REQUISITES
None


DISTANCE LEARNING DELIVERY
N/A


LEARNING AND TEACHING STRATEGY
A combination of strategies will be applied in the teaching of this module: it will include predominantly lectures, seminars and formative assessment but there will also be opportunities for project work, directed and independent learning. IT in teaching and learning is an integral part of this.


ASSESSMENT AND FEEDBACK STRATEGY
a Summative assessment and rationale for tasks
1. Students will be split into teams. Using a case study approach each team will be required to plan and design a web strategy. The strategy aims to find out what clients require from their website. This will be planned through web evaluations, user needs analysis and theoretical reading on Web Standards, Usability and Design patterns.

2. On reflection from client feedback, students are required to plan the design of a site that matches the needs of the client. A final website design document is products and demonstrated to the client. The site demonstration will be supported with a theoretical justification to web design.


b. Additional formative assessment – detail of process and rationale.
Formative assessment will be carried out through workshop exercises, making use of relevant tasks and scenarios.


c. Indication of how students will get feedback and how this will support their learning
Students will be given verbal and/or written feedback for both the summative and formative assessments which they can feed forward into the assessments that follow and into other modules.




IMPLICATIONS FOR CHOICE
None

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