MODULAR PROGRAMME
ASSESSMENT SPECIFICATION
Module Details
Module Code
UFIE9A-20-2
Run
07SEP/1 AY
Module Title
Human-Computer Interaction
Module Leader
Praminda Caleb-Solly
Module Tutors
Chris Perry, Dan Dixon, Praminda Caleb-Solly
Component and Element Number
B2
Weighting: (% of the Module's assessment)
40%
Element Description
Design project
Total Assignment time
19 hours
Dates
Date Issued to Students
4th Feb 2008
Date to be Returned to Students
15th May 2008
Submission Place
THE POST BOXES IN N BLOCK FOYERS
Boxes are open two weeks before submission date
Submission Date
17th April 2008
Submission Time
2.00 pm
Deliverables
Final prototype presented as a series of linked screen shots
Design Project Report
Design Journal
Module Leader Signature:
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UFIE9A-20-2
Human-Computer Interaction Coursework Assignment
Component B Element II
%Weighting = 40% of Module Assessment
Hand in Date: 17th April 2008
This project involves re-designing the interface for the Personal Trainer Application that
you evaluated for the previous coursework assignment.
Key points to note:

You are not required to build a working implementation of the system, just employ
human-centred design principles to re-design the graphical user interface for the system
with screens that will be intuitive, easy, efficient and pleasant to use, i.e. one that satisfies
all usability criteria and guidelines for good design. So please ensure that you also consult
relevant books and journal papers relating to human-centred design and usability to guide
your work.

Your design journal needs to clearly demonstrate prototype development using an iterative
design process. You will be working on the different aspects of this assignment in the
tutorial sessions so you will be expected to record your activities and reflections on a
regular weekly basis in your design journal.

Your design should employ a range of interaction components (controls) such as text
boxes, radio-buttons, check-boxes, buttons, picture-boxes, labels etc. as appropriate.
Assignment Learning Outcomes:
This coursework should help you to achieve the following overall learning outcomes:
□ Gain knowledge and understanding of usability and human-centred approaches for
interaction design
□ Develop ability to apply human-centred design methodologies and identify and interpret
standards and guidelines for interaction design
□ Develop ability for recognising and understanding the human and environmental
characteristics which must be taken into account when designing interactive systems
The deliverables should comprise the following:
1. Final prototype presented as a series of linked screen shots
(50%)
2. Design Project Report (Word count: between 2000 - 2500 words)
(50%)
3. Design journal – A record of your design process over the course of the assignment
 To be submitted as evidence of the work undertaken and to validate your final prototype
and report.
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The details of the deliverables are as follows:
1. Final prototype presented as a series of linked screen shots
(50%)
 To include
o A step-by-step illustration of how a user would complete two different tasks
(such as entering their personal details and selecting an activity for a certain
day) demonstrated using screen dumps of your interface screens.

Assessment criteria:
o Ability to use HCI principles and guidelines effectively in the screen designs
o Designs supported by a rigorous iterative design process recorded in the design
journal
o The interpretation and representation of your task and requirements analysis in
the designs
o The evidence of care in the presentation of work
2. Design Project Report (Word count: between 2000 - 2500 words)
(50%)
 To include:
o A comprehensive evaluation of your final prototype
(20%)
o A reflection on your design journal addressing the following: (20%)
 The scope and thoroughness of the journal entries and the extent to
which they contributed to the design (feel free to reference the relevant
pages in journal as appropriate)
 The extent to which there is detailed consideration of alternative
designs and how this has impacted on your final design
o A reflection on how the overall design process could have been improved and
why.
(10%)

Assessment criteria
o The rigour of your evaluation of your final prototype
o Level to which the reflection on the design journal is an authentic and
thoughtful consideration of the contents of the journal
o Evidence of understanding of the shortcomings of your approach to HCD in
terms of the suitability of the methods/techniques used and resources available
including time, expertise and tools. Appropriateness of other HCD methods
and techniques suggested in terms of the given problem domain.
o Reference to sources as appropriate
3. Design journal – A record of your design process over the course of the assignment
 To be submitted as evidence of the work undertaken and to validate your prototype and
report, including:
o Weekly reflective logs of work undertaken (Example headings - main activities
this week, problems I had, how I resolved them, what I have learnt, what I
am left wondering)
o List of requirements and updates to requirements as appropriate
o Notes on your conceptual designs and evidence gathering to support these
o Sketches of prototype screens
o Prototype evaluations at each design iteration
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Overall Marks Guide
A mark below 40% will indicate failing to achieve all the learning outcomes specified for this
assignment. Most typically, such an assignment will provide no or poor evidence of:
 well thought through designs conforming to usability heuristics and requirements
 progressive development of ideas recorded in the design journal on a continuous basis,
 understanding of human-centred design techniques.
A mark in the 40 – 49% range will indicate sufficient coverage of issues: there may be some
evidence of reflection, progressive development of ideas, having used or referred to the relevant
methods and guidelines for evaluating and designing for usability. The designs, however, may not
necessarily reflect the usability requirements.
A mark in the 50 – 59% range will indicate ample treatment of issues: there will be adequate
evidence of reflection, progressive development of ideas, having used or referred to the relevant
methods and guidelines for evaluating and designing for usability. The designs, however, may not
fully reflect the usability requirements.
A mark in the 60 - 69% range will indicate that the presented work is at a good level of
achievement. The writing will be thoughtful, showing clear understanding of HCI concepts. There
will be evidence of this understanding in the prototypes, which should demonstrate that the work
has been conducted in a progressive manner paying attention to usability issues. There will be a
good attempt at evaluation of the prototypes and reflection on the design process.
A mark in the 70 - 89% range will indicate that the presented work is at high level of
achievement. The writing will demonstrate a deep understanding of HCI concepts through critical
analysis of work where appropriate. There will be clear evidence of having conducted the work in
a rigorous and progressive manner. This will include well thought out designs, and the evaluation
of prototypes that clearly relate to usability issues. The prototype screens and report will be
presented to a high standard and also include appropriate references to relevant HCI literature
from journal papers, books and web sites.
A mark of 90% and above will indicate that the presented work is at an excellent level of
achievement. The writing will demonstrate a comprehensive grasp of HCI concepts with a well
developed understanding of social and environmental implications. The prototype screens and
report will be presented to a very high standard with close attention to detail. The designs of the
prototype will show creativity clearly balanced with careful consideration of usability and other
requirements. There will be clear and comprehensive evidence of rigorous evaluation of
prototypes. The critique of the design process and suggestions for improvements will demonstrate
an excellent attempt at understanding the application domain. The work will be underpinned by
appropriate HCI literature.
Plagiarism Warning:
You must ensure that you cite all your sources using an appropriate referencing technique. This
not only demonstrates your initiative but also your academic maturity for utilising and evidencing
a range a related literature.
All presented work and designs must be the product of your own independent effort.
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