This assignment is about proposing a new design for an interactive device or some software application. It will provide the student with an overall look at the entire lifecycle of design from an HCI perspective. Feel free to incorporate techniques and references from the readings over the entire term.
Target an activity or tasks that you commonly come across. If existing technology is already being used, focus on how it could be redesigned or a way technology can improve the process. Your goal is to design a new interactive device or piece of software to accomplish this. Do not worry about cost or any manufacturing constraints to produce the solution. For ease in explaining, what you are creating will be referred to as "the design".
Give an overview of the problem that the design is trying to solve or why you are proposing this design. Include general background information on the area related to the design. Describe in details the task(s) that the design would need to address. Include any sketches, if they would help. This should be at least 1-2 pages.
Describe the design in detail. Feel free to use sketches, diagrams, wireframes, sitemaps, or any other type of graphic. Include how the design will accomplish the various tasks. When creating the design explain, using Nielsen's heuristics OR Shneiderman's Golden Rules OR if mobile can use the article from topic 4, what influenced the design choices. You should include at least 4 design principles. Discuss the mental model that is behind the design.
Explain an evaluation study (usability evaluation) that you would use to test the design. Explain any evaluations that would be done early in the cycle as well as just before production. Discuss types of users that would be involved to test the design. Explain what the evaluation is testing.
You should include a reference list that addresses design issues and evaluation issues involved in the design. There should be 5-8 references, up to 3 can be from the course materials.
Your assignment should be between 12-15 pages (doublespaced). Be sure to include the following:
Problem design is addressing
Tasks for design
Design decisions and rationale
Design documents
Mental model
Target audience
Description of usability evaluation including types, tasks, and measures collected.