Module Code: H9US
Long Title Usability
Title Usability
Module Level: LEVEL 9
EQF Level: 7
EHEA Level: Second Cycle
Credits: 5
Module Coordinator: Administrator Account
Module Author: Damien Mac Namara
Departments: School of Computing
Specifications of the qualifications and experience required of staff  
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 LO 1. Evaluate and select appropriate requirement elicitation methods, tools and techniques depending on product and target group. Document requirements and examine the results
LO2 LO 2. Create prototypes that demonstrate analysis and reflection on the requirements
LO3 LO 3. Analyse quantitative data using web analytics and usage and draw appropriate conclusions for design decisions.
LO4 LO 4. Design and carry out usability tests to identify key issues with web sites and applications. Analyse, interpret and document the results.
LO5 LO 5. Analyse websites and web-applications in terms of their accessibility.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is required before enrolment on this module. While the prior learning is expressed as named NCI module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
No recommendations listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Entry requirements  
 

Module Content & Assessment

Indicative Content
Requirements Analysis (20%)
• Discovery and Requirements definition • Person definition / Use-Case definition • Comparison of requirements elicitation techniques
Prototyping (20%)
• Wire framing • Low-fi prototyping • Rapid prototyping for specifying interactions • Comparison of prototyping techniques
Design (10%)
• UI design principles and methods • Accessibility and assistive technologies • Content writing
Analysis (30%)
• Usability Testing for identifying issues in web applications • Eye-tracking for answering design questions • Conducting expert evaluations against design principles • Qualitative and quantitative data analysis • Reporting key issues for applications and identifying next steps for recipients
Web Analytics (20%)
• Data collection, techniques and features • Quantitative analysis of web data • Search analytics - internal search, SEO and PPC • Measuring email and multi-channel marketing • Mixed method analysis, combining usability testing data with actual traffic to identify its impact. • Interpretation, documentation and communication of results
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework50.00%
End of Module Assessment50.00%

Assessments

Full Time

Coursework
Assessment Type: Project % of total: 50
Assessment Date: n/a Outcome addressed: 2,4
Non-Marked: No
Assessment Description:
A cross-module project, with Client Side Development module, typically requiring learners to complete a client facing application accompanied by documentation outlining research, prototyping and analysis from a usability perspective.
End of Module Assessment
Assessment Type: Terminal Exam % of total: 50
Assessment Date: End-of-Semester Outcome addressed: 1,3,5
Non-Marked: No
Assessment Description:
End-of-Semester Final Examination
No Workplace Assessment
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

NCIRL reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Module Target Workload Hours 0 Hours
Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Workload Description Hours Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload
Lecture No Description 1 Per Semester 0.08
Tutorial No Description 1 Per Semester 0.08
Independent Learning Time No Description 8.5 Once per semester 0.71
Total Weekly Contact Hours 0.17
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Workload Description Hours Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload
Lecture No Description 1 Per Semester 0.08
Tutorial No Description 1 Per Semester 0.08
Independent Learning Time No Description 8.5 Once per semester 0.71
Total Weekly Contact Hours 0.17
 

Module Resources

Recommended Book Resources
  • Steve Krug.. Don't make me think, revisited, ; Pearson P T R, p.xi, 200 :, [ISBN: 0321965515].
  • Jakob Nielsen, Raluca Budiu. Mobile Usability, New Riders, p.216, [ISBN: 0321884485].
  • Jeff Rubin, Dana Chisnell. (2008), Handbook of usability testing, Wiley Pub., Indianapolis, Ind., [ISBN: 0470185481].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
This module does not have any other resources
Discussion Note: