KV6019 - Experimental Design for Interactive Applications

What will I learn on this module?

This module will extend and enhance your current understanding of human-computer interaction and UX theory/practice in support of the user experience, by investigating how people experience ubiquitous computing technologies (e.g., smart devices and wearables), both individually and in groups across a variety of contexts and domains.

’Experimental Design of Interactive Applications’ will explore key aspects of interaction design, focusing on how we can effectively understand and improve user interaction in context. Real-world examples (e.g., sourced from industry/employers/research) will be used to illustrate the importance of adopting an iterative, user-centred approach to user journey mapping and interface development which supports equality, diversity, and inclusion.

A range of experimental design methods and UX practices will be covered (e.g., task-based usability tests, usability inspection methods, lab- and field-test planning and deployment), enhancing your knowledge and understanding of relevant theory and techniques whilst helping you to develop practical and transferable skills within the UX domain. Employers are looking for computing students who understand the importance of user experience and interaction design, can work as individuals or members of a team to analyse interaction design problems in context and, can apply effective experimental design and UX techniques in order to devise effective design solutions for the user experience.

How will I learn on this module?

You will learn through lectures, workshops, and independent study. The lectures will cover theories and concepts that will enable you to tackle a series of guided experimental design and UX activities. Using real-world case studies, you will work on these during workshops and hands-on sessions in Northumbria’s CIS building computer labs, which are fully equipped with the latest industry-standard software – you will also have access to additional IT resources to help with your experimental work.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

The module includes a combination of methods to support learning, where typically topics will be introduced in lectures before being explored through theoretical debates, practical exercises focused on skills development, feedback from tutors, and guided learning activities. You will be encouraged to develop independent learning skills to manage experimental design and UX practices. The University’s eLearning Portal offers remote access to all lecture and workshop materials to reinforce your learning. In addition, the university library offers support for all students by providing electronic resources.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
MLO1 Develop a critical understanding of user experience and interaction challenges for ubiquitous computing technologies.
MLO2 Develop knowledge and understanding of methods and techniques for the specification of experimental design requirements.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
MLO3 Identify, apply, and reflect on appropriate experimental methods and techniques for investigating user experience and interaction challenges.
MLO4 Critically evaluate experimental methods and techniques used to capture and analyse user experiences in-context.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
MLO5 Develop, analyse and report on research-informed practices used in the design and deployment of user experience and interaction design experiments in-context.

How will I be assessed?

The main element of summative assessment (100%) will be a final report (2000 words in length) and accompanying analysis (based on a sample set of experimental recordings) that brings together the experimental research plans, findings/analysis and evaluations.
This assessment addresses Module Learning Outcomes; MLO1, MLO2, MLO3, MLO4 & MLO5.

You will receive both informative and confirmatory feedback on your assessments, which can be used to feed-forward into other modules.

Formative assessment will take place through workshop activities which make use of real-world case studies and experimental design/UX activities which mirror the final assessment requirements, addressing Module Learning Outcomes MLO1, MLO2, MLO3, MLO4 & MLO5.

Formative feedback will be given throughout the module on workshop activities you are required to complete.

Pre-requisite(s)

Level 5 - HCI Module

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

This module explores the UX theory, principles, and practice underpinning experimental design and testing aimed at developing a clear understanding of the user and their experience with ubiquitous computing technologies in-context. Indicative topics include: trends in interaction design and ubiquitous technology use; experimental methodologies, techniques and research practices; designing and implementing experimental design research; collation, analysis and presentation of data; and, synthesising data in order to make recommendations for improving the user experience in-context. Theory is followed by practical workshops where you will be introduced to different experimental design methods, tools, and techniques for exploring user behaviour. You will apply the acquired UX theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the planning, designing and execution of experiments assessing interaction behaviours and user experience in-context, thereby ensuring we design technology that meet their needs. The module will help you develop key skills required for future employment as a UX researcher or designer.

Course info

UCAS Code G419

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 1 year Full Time

School Computer Science

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2027

Fee Information

Module Information

Accuracy of information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing.

How your course is delivered

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning.

Changes to your course

Most courses run as described on our website and in our marketing materials. Occasionally we may need to make changes, for example due to a change in the law or regulatory requirements, requirements of a Professional, Statutory or Regulatory Body, or our quality assurance processes. Where a change is significant (in line with the Competition and Markets Authority's guidance on "substantial changes"), we will consult with affected students in advance where the change is being decided, and will explain the reason for the change and inform you at the earliest opportunity.

If we make a significant variation to your programme, you are entitled to: request a transfer to an alternative, appropriate programme; withdraw and have your tuition fees adjusted; or raise a complaint through the Student Complaints Procedure.

Optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year. Where a module you selected is withdrawn, the options above apply.

Contact time

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

Images and video

The photography and video on this page are used for illustration. They may have been taken at different times and in different parts of the University, and may show facilities, equipment, staff, students or activities that are not part of this course. They are not a guarantee of the specific facilities or equipment you will use.

The course content, entry requirements and fees sections of this page, together with the Programme Specification, set out what this course includes. Our facilities are updated over time and may change during your studies.

Useful Links

Find out about our distinctive approach at
www.northumbria.ac.uk/exp

Admissions Terms and Conditions
northumbria.ac.uk/terms

Fees and Funding
northumbria.ac.uk/fees

Admissions Policy
northumbria.ac.uk/adpolicy

Admissions Complaints Policy
northumbria.ac.uk/complaints

Any Questions?

Our Applicant Services team will be happy to help. They can be contacted on 0191 406 0901 or by using our Contact Form.

Accuracy of information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing.

How your course is delivered

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning.

Changes to your course

Most courses run as described on our website and in our marketing materials. Occasionally we may need to make changes, for example due to a change in the law or regulatory requirements, requirements of a Professional, Statutory or Regulatory Body, or our quality assurance processes. Where a change is significant (in line with the Competition and Markets Authority's guidance on "substantial changes"), we will consult with affected students in advance where the change is being decided, and will explain the reason for the change and inform you at the earliest opportunity.

If we make a significant variation to your programme, you are entitled to: request a transfer to an alternative, appropriate programme; withdraw and have your tuition fees adjusted; or raise a complaint through the Student Complaints Procedure.

Optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year. Where a module you selected is withdrawn, the options above apply.

Contact time

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

Images and video

The photography and video on this page are used for illustration. They may have been taken at different times and in different parts of the University, and may show facilities, equipment, staff, students or activities that are not part of this course. They are not a guarantee of the specific facilities or equipment you will use.

The course content, entry requirements and fees sections of this page, together with the Programme Specification, set out what this course includes. Our facilities are updated over time and may change during your studies.

Accessibility and Student Inclusion

Northumbria University is committed to developing an inclusive, diverse and accessible campus and wider University community and are determined to ensure that opportunities we provide are open to all.

We are proud to work in partnership with AccessAble to provide Detailed Access Guides to our buildings and facilities across our City, Coach Lane and London Campuses. A Detailed Access Guide lets you know what access will be like when you visit somewhere. It looks at the route you will use getting in and what is available inside. All guides have Accessibility Symbols that give you a quick overview of what is available, and photographs to show you what to expect. The guides are produced by trained surveyors who visit our campuses annually to ensure you have trusted and accurate information.

You can use Northumbria’s AccessAble Guides anytime to check the accessibility of a building or facility and to plan your routes and journeys. Search by location, building or accessibility feature to find the information you need.

We are dedicated to helping students who may require additional support during their student journey and offer 1-1 advice and guidance appropriate to individual requirements. If you feel you may need additional support you can find out more about what we offer here where you can also contact us with any questions you may have:

Accessibility support

Student Inclusion support