Aim:

To enable students to gain an understanding of a few selected topics related to human perception, memory and thinking and their relevance to HCI through individually researching a topic and, then as a group, designing and overseeing an interactive class activity.

Overview of Assessment:

This assignment has an individual and a group component.

• Individually each student is required to find a set of printed instructions for doing something (eg. installing software, assembling kitset furniture, upgrading a video card in a computer, cooking recipe, etc.). Then they will write a 2500 word essay based on the cognitive and perceptual processes of just one non trivial step in the instructions (approved by the lecturer). The essay and a copy of the instructions, must be submitted by week 5.

• The group component is organized as a series of class activities each prepared and run by a student group. The group members will use their individual research and prepare some form of an interactive activity for the class that will enable students to gain a sound understanding of the topic. The series will be running over a five-week period, starting in week 3

Each group will be assigned a topic, such as the following:
• Visual perception and colour
• Haptics and perception of movement
• Perception of sound and acoustic space
• Short term memory
• Long term memory
• Cognition {eg. Problem solving, reasoning, learning, social cognition}

The activity could be a game, interactive exercise or a learning experience. They do not have to be computer based.

Required for submission:

• A handout for the class that describes the activity/exercise and gives clear instructions on how to do it.

• Each student must submit an individual essay, approximate 2500 word count.

• A submission to Turn-it-in confirming the originality of their work (in AUTonline)

2500 words

Havard

Number of Ref: above 8