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Human-Computer Interaction / Interactive Systems | |
| BSc, MICT | IT440: First trimester 2001/2002, both modules, 2 credits | |
| BBA | IT294: First trimester 2001/2002, first module, 1 credit |
Contents of this page (last modified: Friday, 24 May 2002)
This course is now over, but this web page will remain available indefinitely.
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Note: The PDF files with the class slides are also available in the class folders for IT440 (and IT294) at the usual location on the IU intranet. Each Tuesday, the slides from that afternoon's class will be available on the intranet by 13.30, so that those who wish to do so can download them before the class.
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Starting Points for IBIS Argumentations
Each of the following files contains settings that are useful for the writing of an IBIS argumentation in Word's outline mode. It also contains the text that you can find on Slide 378 (Class 10).
The two files are identical in content; two versions are provided because Microsoft formats often don't work on some versions of Microsoft software. Once you've downloaded a version that works on your system, you can use it as a starting point for your own IBIS argumentations.
It may take a while to become skilled at using outline mode, but it's well worth the effort, even aside from IBIS. For example, writing an increasingly detailed outline is an effective way to prepare the first draft of a normal manuscript.
Please don't try to get by without these templates by just switching to outline mode in Word. The fonts that Word uses by default in outline mode are inappropriate for IBIS analyses, so the result would be hard to read.
Using the Template in Outline Mode
You can then use the mouse in the obvious way to move the subtree to the right or left, or up or down.
We'll use the larger one if we project outlines onto the screen. Also, this font is the one you should use when determining how many "screenfuls" you have written. But the smaller font may be more convenient for your own use during the writing.
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People used to grumble about computer software that was hard to learn or use. Nowadays, more and more, they just hit the "Back" button of their browser or put the fancy mobile phone back on the shelf; and within seconds they have been lost as customers. The critical economic importance of usability has created a great demand for those who know how to make systems usable.
In the first half of this course (and part of the second half), you will learn to analyze particular system designs in terms of how well they take into account the properties of their users, which range from their perceptual strengths and limitations to their social and organizational environment. Examples will refer to the current generation of interactive computing systems (including web-related technologies, mobile devices, and systems for e-commerce), but you will learn general concepts and principles that will also be applicable to future technological innovations.
In part of the second half of the course, you be introduced to the most important methods for designing usable systems. (Extensive experience in applying these methods can be gained in the more advanced follow-up course.)
During the three hours of class each week, there will be presentation of new material by the instructor, interleaved with discussion of specific problems and examples in which all students are expected to take part actively. The weekly homework assignments will give an opportunity for independent work.
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Prerequisites
The course is open to BSc and MICT students.
It has been arranged that BBA students may attend the first module in lieu of the originally planned 1-credit course "Interactive Systems". The first module will be structured accordingly.
Time and Place
Classes will be held each week from 14.10 to 17.20 (with a break from 15.40 to 15.50) in Room 2.3.08, starting on September 11th.
Textbook
As a supplement to the materials distributed and presented in class, a number of the chapters of the following textbook will be assigned as required reading:
Dix, A., Finlay, J., Abowd, G., & Beale, R. (1998). Human-computer interaction (2nd edition). New York: Prentice-Hall. (638 pages)
Several copies of the book are available in the University's library, but its purchase is recommended, since it can serve as a valuable resource after the course. (Although several other HCI texts have appeared or been announced since 1998, this book is still clearly the most suitable one for a course like this one.) Detailed information about the book is available from a separate Web page.
Probably the best way to obtain this book is to order it from http://www.amazon.de. To find it quickly:
It is said to be ready for shipment within "1-2 weeks". There will be no shipping charges within Germany, so the total cost will really be DM 119.95. One possible cost-cutting strategy is for a group of students who work together to purchase and share one copy.
Note: The course description on the IU web site warned that "Editions that appeared before 1998 should not be used". This warning does not apply to the book being sold by Amazon.de, although the date of appearance is for some reason listed as "October 1997": This is evidently really the most recent (second) edition. The first edition, however, which appeared in 1993, should not be purchased or used.
Grading
Students are encouraged to read in advance the grading policy that will be applied in this course.
Instructor's Coordinates
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