Evaluation of Human-Computer Interaction

This course is an introduction to methods used to evaluate the design of human-computer interaction (HCI). Students will apply examples of all three of the major types of HCI evaluation techniques: inspection, analytical, and empirical techniques. The course also covers HCI experiment design and data analysis, including threats to experimental validity. The course project consists of a formal usability test. This project requires students to learn principles of ethical treatment of human subjects, complete the University's Institutional Review Board applications and training for human-subject testing, conduct testing sessions, analyze data, recommend design changes, and document results in a professional manner. At course completion, students will have demonstrated skills for assessing the effectiveness of interface designs and will understand how evaluation fits into computer products' lifecycles.