Change unit code from MMS5008 to MMS9008 because unit has moved from Art and Design context to Master of Multimedia Computing context

29/07/04 These changes to unit objectives, summary, teaching strategies and assessments are intended to align this unit MMS9008 Human Computer Interaction for Multimedia to the undergraduate unit MMS2403 Human Computer Interaction for Multimedia which covers similar content. MMS9008 will be assessed at a higher and more rigorous level than MMS2403.

1. have knowledge of the concepts of cognitive science and the physiology of human perception and the importance of these disciplines to interface design for multimedia systems and products
2. understand the importance of psychological characteristics and capabilities of the user in the design and implementation of multimedia interfaces
3. appreciate the principles of user-centred interface design and the ways in which they might be implemented

4. appreciate importance of the role of the interface designer/developer as the mediator between the multimedia product and the user
5. appreciate the importance of ergonomic, health and safety issues in the development of user-centric multimedia interfaces

6. students will construct multimedia products and systems using principles of user-centred interface design
7. design, create and implement interfaces appropriate to both content and context
8. identify and evaluate the cognitive, physical and social contexts in which the user will interact with a multimedia product or system
9. evaluate existing interfaces in relation to user-centric principles

10. design with an understanding of the effects of their own cultural/social background and preconceptions
11. evaluate their own and others interface design and implementation in relation to user-centric principles
12. enable them to design, create and implement interface systems appropriate for use by individuals from diverse educational, social and cultural backgrounds and diverse cognitive styles

This unit will provide a detailed understanding of the principles and practices involved in the creation and implementation of user-centred interaction with multimedia products and systems in business, entertainment, education and social environments. Focus will be on the development of multimedia that enhances the efficiency, safety, functionality usability and the aesthetic appeal of the user experience with multimedia at the interface between the user and the technology that is the development of technologies, tools, which aid the human mind (cognitive artifacts). This unit will explore both technologically determinist arguments and the socially deterministic ways in which technology might conform to human use and abilities.

Topics to be covered include: cognitive psychology, ergonomics, health and safety issues relating to interaction, interface design and implementation, evaluation and testing, affective aspects of technology, social implications of Human-Multimedia (Computer) interaction.

To be advised

Teaching will comprise two hours of lectures and two hours of tutorials per week

The assessment tasks will be designed to test the understanding and knowledge of the concepts covered in this unit. They will be required to design and present storyboards for an interface based on a visual metaphor, design and create an interface based on a period of art history and design and create an interactive interface for a wizard to guide a user through a process. The end of semester examination will be designed to test understanding of all objectives, with particular emphasis on C1-3.

The lectures will establish the broad theoretical frameworks for an understanding of the basic concepts of user-centric principles of interface design and the ways in which they might be applied in the development of multimedia products and systems.(C1-3; A1-2 and P3) Teaching will be focused on developing a critical understanding of the ways in which the interface directly impacts on the users experience of the multimedia product and the ways in which the developer might represent information/content within a user-friendly interface(C3; A1; P2 and P4, and S1-3). The lectures will also introduce students to contemporary trends and future developments in the area with guest lectures from industry representatives discussing their work.

The seminars will require students to analyse and critically evaluate both their own interfaces and those of their peers, and the techniques used in a variety of multimedia formats (P4 and S1-3). Students will also focus on the role such formats play in the user's experience (P1-3). Students will work in a laboratory environment in both groups and individually on the development of interfaces for use in multimedia projects (P1-3). This work will also contribute to the development of a folio for second year studio subject.

• A detailed paper or electronic prototype of an interface that maps an information structure onto a visual metaphor including 3 screens and a short justification of the metaphor used. (15%)
• Design and implement an interface based on a period in art history including five screen types, rollovers and descriptions of all screen elements, in the Director template supplied. (20%)
• Design, document and create a Wizard to guide a user through a five to ten step process, in the Director template supplied. (30%)
• Exam (40%)

The final mark will be calculated using a weighting formula:

where A = overall assignment percentage, E = examination percentage, R = 100/assignment weight

If a student achieves a grade of 0% for assignments the final grade will be:

Students will study the development of multimedia that enhances the efficiency, safety, functionality usability and the aesthetic appeal of the user experience with multimedia at the interface between the user and the technology ? that is the development of technologies, tools, which aid the human mind

The assessment tasks relate to the objectives as follows:

The design and presentation of storyboards for an interface based on a visual metaphor relates to C1-3; P1-3 and S3)

The design and creation of an interface based on a period of art history encompasses objectives C1-3; A1; P1-3 and S1,3.

The design and creation of an interactive interface for a wizard to guide a user through a process covers objectives C1-3; A1; P1-3 and S1-3.

The examination will assess objectives C1-2; A1-2; S2-3 and P3-4.

• Software Title:
• Vendor:
• Version:
• OS: MS Windows XP ( ) and/or LINUX ( )
• License Details: (A valid software license certificate/s or Vendor permission must be available upon request if the software is to be installed for teaching)
• Are we currently licensed: Yes ( ) or No ( ) (If unsure, please check with your local IT support )
• If (Yes), who is the contact person for this software?:
• If (No), will the software license be arranged by: Staff member requesting the software ( ) or Technical Services* ( ) ? *If the latter is selected, please discuss your requirement/s with myself ASAP, prior to finalising your request, as there could be financial or resourcing implications.
• Is the software to be installed and accessed from a: Client/Workstation ( ), or Server ( ) ?
• Type of license: Site License ( ), Freeware ( ), FOSS (Free and Open Source Software) ( ), Shareware ( ), Lab based ( ) # of Licenses needed ____
• In what week will you commence using the software in class? Semester 1 (Week ___ ) and/or Semester 2 (Week ___ ):
• Nominated Staff For Acceptance Testing Software: (Name) (Phone) (Email)
• Additional Information: Special Requirements, Software Configuration/Installation Requirements, etc:

Macromedia Director, Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator