SPSU Programs in Usability

A study of the relevant research and practical application of usability testing as part of product development. The course includes strategies for planning, conducting, and analyzing a test. Teams perform tests and report results from an actual test in the usability lab.

This course presents the fundamental knowledge, processes, skills, and practices leading to the user-centered design of computer systems and applications.

It also addresses the effectiveness of human interactions with computers by examining issues of physical ergonomics, cognition and perception, human memory and information processing, and evaluation of prototype software in a Usability Lab. Usability engineering techniques are covered leading to improved system effectiveness in supporting use of computers, user learning, diversity in interaction styles, and individual versus group work.

This course follows a complete software-engineering cycle to produce software objects that support users in effective, efficient, and enjoyable interactions with computers.

The course also incorporates concepts and methods including ethnographic and user analysis; cognitive ergonomics; usability metrics and criteria; software-engineering practices, conventions, standards, and documentation; device-user action mapping; person-system function allocation; quality management systems; conceptual prototyping; embedded systems in support of ubiquitous computing; and function-behavior analysis.

A study of the relevant research and practical application of usability testing as part of product development. The course includes strategies for planning, conducting, and analyzing a test. Teams perform tests and report results from an actual test in the usability lab.

A comprehensive survey of human factors theory, research, and applications which are of particular relevance to quality assurance. Emphasis will be placed on operator constraints in the design of work processes, workplaces, and instrumentation. QA 6600 or QA 6602 are prerequisites for this course.

This course covers the major frameworks, methods, and approaches to designing, engineering, implementing, and testing user interfaces. It addresses user and usability requirements gathering, task analysis, user-interface design, coding of the user interface, and evaluation with respect to requirements and the users' tasks.

This course covers psychological, social, and technical aspects of interaction between humans and computers. It includes usability considerations, cognitive and perceptual issues, human information processing, and software development techniques for producing appropriate systems. A major project is included.