Introduction
The Human-Computer Interaction discipline. Usability of interactive systems. Human-computer interaction models. Mental models and conceptual models.
Phenomena that characterize the interaction between users and systems.
The human
Perceptive, cognitive and motor characteristics of humans. User profile and its definition for designing and evaluating interactive systems.
The computer
Input/output devices. Interaction styles: commands, fill-in forms, menus, spreadsheet, direct manipulation, anthropomorphic styles of interaction. Advanced interaction styles: ubiquitous computing, virtual reality and augmented reality.
Usability and accessibility
Usability definitions and dimensions. Usability engineering.
Accessibility and W3C standards for accessibility.
Usability evaluation
Usability evaluation methods: heuristic evaluation, cognitive walkthrough, keystroke level model, experiments with users, observation, monitoring, logging, questionnaires, interviews.
User-centered design
The star life cycle. Requirements specification. Task analysis: hierarchical task analysis, use cases, scenario-based design. Prototyping: horizontal and vertical prototypes, mock-ups, throw-away, evolutionary and interactive prototypes. Design patterns. Physical design: Gestalt rules, colors, affordance. Formal design.