A Framework and Implementation of User Inter-face and Human-Computer Interaction Instruction

• Published in: Journal of information technology education 2005-01, Vol.4, p.189-205
• Main Author: Peslak, Alan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1547-9714; 1539-3585
• DOI: 10.28945/272

Researchers have suggested that up to 50 % of the effort in development of information systems is devoted to user interface development (Douglas, Tremaine, Leventhal, Wills, & Manaris, 2002; Myers & Rosson, 1992). Yet little study has been performed on the inclusion of important interface and human-computer interaction topics into a current information technology related curriculum. Particularly the IS (Information Systems) discipline has shown little interest in identifying and clarifying those topics and techniques that should be included in its curriculum. This paper reviews the literature in all areas of computing and information systems and sciences to determine importance of human-computer interaction and define interface topics that are generally regarded as most important for technology students. A review of classic, pedagogical and current HCI (human-computer interaction) literature is performed in this work. Within the broad category of HCI two major subcategories emerge - People and Process. Within these subcategories, twelve specific topic areas are identified. The topics are Interface Requirements, Interface and GUI (Graphical User Interface) Design, Interface Analysis, Assessment and Evaluation, Design Psychology, Human Behavior and Abilities, Implementation, Collaboration, Communications, and Teamwork, Costs/Benefits, Testing, Prototyping, and Disability. Each of these areas is vitally important to the future system designer. This study next reviews specific hands-on assignments to explore the topics identified. The computer science curriculum as proposed by the 'Joint IEEE Computer Society/ACM Task Force' includes many of these important areas. The Information Systems Model curriculum only makes passing reference to HCI and Interface Design. The author currently teaches a junior level course in Organization and Design of Information Systems: User and System Principles. For the most part, this is a course in interface design and humancomputer interaction. The author has incorporated the twelve key concepts in both lecture materials as well as specific hands-on activities. The activities include HCI Gone Wild which challenges the students to prepare a fanciful, out-of-the-box interface to a common product or application. Sound exercise considers new uses and inclusion of an underutilized human sense. Expert elicitation explores the challenges of requirements analysis. User interface forces students to develop prototypes with disability issues