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Usability and user interface designLaajuus (5 cr)

Code: GD00CU06

Credits

5 op

Teaching language

  • English

Responsible person

  • Suvi Pylvänen

Objective

You are familiar with the basic principles of interface design, usability, accessibility and user experience.
You are able to conduct usability tests and you are familiar with different test methods that can be applied to games.
You understand the basic psychology behind usability such as human perception and memory.
You are familiar with a user centred design process and the associated methods.
You know the most common interface design patterns and elements used in games.

Content

How to design user interfaces that are easy to use and accessible?
How to plan and implement a usability test and evaluate usability?

Enrollment

04.11.2024 - 17.11.2024

Timing

01.01.2025 - 30.04.2025

Number of ECTS credits allocated

5 op

Virtual portion

1 op

Mode of delivery

80 % Contact teaching, 20 % Distance learning

Unit

Department of Culture

Campus

Kouvola Campus

Teaching languages
  • English
Seats

20 - 22

Degree programmes
  • Degree Programme in Game Design
Teachers
  • Mikko Lehto
Groups
  • GDKV23SP
    Game design, full-time studies

Objective

You are familiar with the basic principles of interface design, usability, accessibility and user experience.
You are able to conduct usability tests and you are familiar with different test methods that can be applied to games.
You understand the basic psychology behind usability such as human perception and memory.
You are familiar with a user centred design process and the associated methods.
You know the most common interface design patterns and elements used in games.

Content

How to design user interfaces that are easy to use and accessible?
How to plan and implement a usability test and evaluate usability?

Opiskelumateriaali

Videos and reading material on Learn.

Books:
Celia Hodent. 2017. The Gamer's Brain : How Neuroscience and UX Can Impact Video Game Design. CRC Press.
https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/xamk-ebooks/detail.action?docID=4943930

Yksilölliset oppimisväylät

You will attend classes according to the given schedule. In addition to class exercises, there will be independently assigned homework tasks.

If you have a comparable previous academic achievement (i.e., a higher education-level course completion), have studied for a year in, for example, a folk high school, and have work samples to present, or if you have skills equivalent to or exceeding the course level, for example, through work experience and have a portfolio to show, you may seek to have the course accredited. However, you must first discuss this with the course instructor.

TKI ja työelämäyhteistyö

The course may include visiting lecturers from the industry.

Opiskelijan työmäärä

Students complete assignments independently as well as in groups.

Evaluation scale

1-5

Assessment methods and criteria

Assignments completed
Self-evaluation

Enrollment

08.04.2024 - 21.04.2024

Timing

01.08.2024 - 31.12.2024

Number of ECTS credits allocated

5 op

Virtual portion

4 op

Mode of delivery

20 % Contact teaching, 80 % Distance learning

Unit

Department of Culture

Campus

Kouvola Campus

Teaching languages
  • English
Seats

20 - 25

Degree programmes
  • Degree Programme in Game Design
Teachers
  • Mikko Lehto
  • Suvi Pylvänen
Teacher in charge

Suvi Pylvänen

Groups
  • GDKV23KM
    Game design, part-time studies

Objective

You are familiar with the basic principles of interface design, usability, accessibility and user experience.
You are able to conduct usability tests and you are familiar with different test methods that can be applied to games.
You understand the basic psychology behind usability such as human perception and memory.
You are familiar with a user centred design process and the associated methods.
You know the most common interface design patterns and elements used in games.

Content

How to design user interfaces that are easy to use and accessible?
How to plan and implement a usability test and evaluate usability?

Opiskelumateriaali

Material on Learn

Yksilölliset oppimisväylät

Learning route based on a working week
You will attend teaching and guidance sessions as specified in the schedule. Your study routine is determined by the scheduled group sessions and by the self-study assignments.

Learning route that accelerates the studies
If you have acquired prior learning in the subject (fully/partially), contact the teacher in charge prior the course to discuss whether you have the competence required and what are the methods of demonstrating that competence. If you are unable to attend all the classes due to other courses, you are required to complete the learning assignments independently.

Work-based learning route
You need to contact the course teacher prior the course to agree on development assignments that you will perform at your work place. You are required to prove your learning both in theory and practice by giving a presentation at Game Design show and tell day.

TKI ja työelämäyhteistyö

The course work is connected to the game the student group is creating.

Evaluation scale

1-5

Assessment methods and criteria

User interface documentation created by the student group as well as individual learning diary.

Enrollment

06.11.2023 - 17.11.2023

Timing

01.01.2024 - 30.04.2024

Number of ECTS credits allocated

5 op

Virtual portion

1 op

Mode of delivery

80 % Contact teaching, 20 % Distance learning

Unit

Department of Culture

Campus

Kouvola Campus

Teaching languages
  • English
Seats

15 - 25

Degree programmes
  • Degree Programme in Game Design
Teachers
  • Mikko Lehto
  • Suvi Pylvänen
Teacher in charge

Suvi Pylvänen

Groups
  • GDKV22SP
    Game design, full-time studies

Objective

You are familiar with the basic principles of interface design, usability, accessibility and user experience.
You are able to conduct usability tests and you are familiar with different test methods that can be applied to games.
You understand the basic psychology behind usability such as human perception and memory.
You are familiar with a user centred design process and the associated methods.
You know the most common interface design patterns and elements used in games.

Content

How to design user interfaces that are easy to use and accessible?
How to plan and implement a usability test and evaluate usability?

Opiskelumateriaali

Videos and reading material on Learn.

Books:
Celia Hodent. 2017. The Gamer's Brain : How Neuroscience and UX Can Impact Video Game Design. CRC Press.
https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/xamk-ebooks/detail.action?docID=4943930

Yksilölliset oppimisväylät

Learning route based on a working week
You will attend teaching and guidance sessions as specified in the schedule. Your study routine is determined by the scheduled group sessions and by the self-study assignments.

Learning route that accelerates the studies
If you have acquired prior learning in the subject (fully/partially), contact the teacher in charge prior the course to discuss whether you have the competence required and what are the methods of demonstrating that competence. If you are unable to attend all the classes due to other courses, you are required to complete the learning assignments independently.

Work-based learning route
You need to contact the course teacher prior the course to agree on development assignments that you will perform at your work place. You are required to prove your learning both in theory and practice by giving a presentation at Game Design show and tell day.

TKI ja työelämäyhteistyö

The course may include visiting lecturers from the industry.

Opiskelijan työmäärä

Students complete assignments independently as well as in groups.

Evaluation scale

1-5

Assessment methods and criteria

Assignments completed
Self-evaluation

Enrollment

06.04.2023 - 21.04.2023

Timing

01.08.2023 - 31.12.2023

Number of ECTS credits allocated

5 op

Virtual portion

4 op

Mode of delivery

20 % Contact teaching, 80 % Distance learning

Unit

Department of Culture

Campus

Kouvola Campus

Teaching languages
  • English
Seats

15 - 25

Degree programmes
  • Degree Programme in Game Design
Teachers
  • Suvi Pylvänen
Teacher in charge

Suvi Pylvänen

Groups
  • GDKV22KM
    Game design, part-time studies

Objective

You are familiar with the basic principles of interface design, usability, accessibility and user experience.
You are able to conduct usability tests and you are familiar with different test methods that can be applied to games.
You understand the basic psychology behind usability such as human perception and memory.
You are familiar with a user centred design process and the associated methods.
You know the most common interface design patterns and elements used in games.

Content

How to design user interfaces that are easy to use and accessible?
How to plan and implement a usability test and evaluate usability?

Opiskelumateriaali

Videos and reading material on Learn.

Books:
Celia Hodent. 2017. The Gamer's Brain : How Neuroscience and UX Can Impact Video Game Design. CRC Press.
https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/xamk-ebooks/detail.action?docID=4943930

Yksilölliset oppimisväylät

Learning route based on a working week
You will attend teaching and guidance sessions as specified in the schedule. Your study routine is determined by the scheduled group sessions and by the self-study assignments.

Learning route that accelerates the studies
If you have acquired prior learning in the subject (fully/partially), contact the teacher in charge prior the course to discuss whether you have the competence required and what are the methods of demonstrating that competence. If you are unable to attend all the classes due to other courses, you are required to complete the learning assignments independently.

Work-based learning route
You need to contact the course teacher prior the course to agree on development assignments that you will perform at your work place. You are required to prove your learning both in theory and practice by giving a presentation at Game Design show and tell day.

TKI ja työelämäyhteistyö

RD&I cooperation will be integrated if possible.

Opiskelijan työmäärä

Students complete assignments independently. In class, student will receive feedback and deepen their expertise. The assignments are mostly based on group work.

Evaluation scale

1-5

Assessment methods and criteria

Assignments completed
Self-evaluation

Enrollment

07.11.2022 - 18.11.2022

Timing

01.01.2023 - 01.05.2023

Number of ECTS credits allocated

5 op

Virtual portion

2 op

Mode of delivery

60 % Contact teaching, 40 % Distance learning

Unit

Department of Culture

Campus

Kouvola Campus

Teaching languages
  • English
Seats

0 - 25

Degree programmes
  • Degree Programme in Game Design
Teachers
  • Suvi Pylvänen
Teacher in charge

Suvi Pylvänen

Groups
  • GDKV21SP
    Game design, full-time studies

Objective

You are familiar with the basic principles of interface design, usability, accessibility and user experience.
You are able to conduct usability tests and you are familiar with different test methods that can be applied to games.
You understand the basic psychology behind usability such as human perception and memory.
You are familiar with a user centred design process and the associated methods.
You know the most common interface design patterns and elements used in games.

Content

How to design user interfaces that are easy to use and accessible?
How to plan and implement a usability test and evaluate usability?

Opiskelumateriaali

Videos and reading material on Learn.

Books:
Celia Hodent. 2017. The Gamer's Brain : How Neuroscience and UX Can Impact Video Game Design. CRC Press.
https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/xamk-ebooks/detail.action?docID=4943930

Yksilölliset oppimisväylät

Learning route based on a working week
You will attend teaching and guidance sessions as specified in the schedule. Your study routine is determined by the scheduled group sessions and by the self-study assignments.

Learning route that accelerates the studies
If you have acquired prior learning in the subject (fully/partially), contact the teacher in charge prior the course to discuss whether you have the competence required and what are the methods of demonstrating that competence. If you are unable to attend all the classes due to other courses, you are required to complete the learning assignments independently.

Work-based learning route
You need to contact the course teacher prior the course to agree on development assignments that you will perform at your work place. You are required to prove your learning both in theory and practice by giving a presentation at Game Design show and tell day.

TKI ja työelämäyhteistyö

RD&I cooperation will be integrated if possible.

Opiskelijan työmäärä

Students complete assignments independently as well as in groups.

Evaluation scale

1-5

Assessment methods and criteria

Assignments completed
Self-evaluation

Enrollment

06.04.2022 - 22.04.2022

Timing

01.08.2022 - 31.12.2022

Number of ECTS credits allocated

5 op

Virtual portion

4 op

Mode of delivery

20 % Contact teaching, 80 % Distance learning

Unit

Department of Culture

Campus

Kouvola Campus

Teaching languages
  • English
Seats

10 - 25

Degree programmes
  • Degree Programme in Game Design
Teachers
  • Suvi Pylvänen
Teacher in charge

Suvi Pylvänen

Groups
  • GDKV21KM
    Game design, part-time studies

Objective

You are familiar with the basic principles of interface design, usability, accessibility and user experience.
You are able to conduct usability tests and you are familiar with different test methods that can be applied to games.
You understand the basic psychology behind usability such as human perception and memory.
You are familiar with a user centred design process and the associated methods.
You know the most common interface design patterns and elements used in games.

Content

How to design user interfaces that are easy to use and accessible?
How to plan and implement a usability test and evaluate usability?

Opiskelumateriaali

Videos and reading material on Learn.

Books:
Celia Hodent. 2017. The Gamer's Brain : How Neuroscience and UX Can Impact Video Game Design. CRC Press.
https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/xamk-ebooks/detail.action?docID=4943930

Yksilölliset oppimisväylät

Learning route based on a working week
You will attend teaching and guidance sessions as specified in the schedule. Your study routine is determined by the scheduled group sessions and by the self-study assignments.

Learning route that accelerates the studies
If you have acquired prior learning in the subject (fully/partially), contact the teacher in charge prior the course to discuss whether you have the competence required and what are the methods of demonstrating that competence. If you are unable to attend all the classes due to other courses, you are required to complete the learning assignments independently.

Work-based learning route
You need to contact the course teacher prior the course to agree on development assignments that you will perform at your work place. You are required to prove your learning both in theory and practice by giving a presentation at Game Design show and tell day.

TKI ja työelämäyhteistyö

RD&I cooperation will be integrated if possible.

Opiskelijan työmäärä

Students complete assignments independently. In class, student will receive feedback and deepen their expertise. The assignments are mostly based on group work.

Evaluation scale

1-5

Assessment methods and criteria

UI/UX documentation produced
Learning diary
Self-evaluation

Enrollment

08.11.2021 - 21.11.2021

Timing

01.01.2022 - 30.04.2022

Number of ECTS credits allocated

5 op

Virtual portion

2 op

Mode of delivery

60 % Contact teaching, 40 % Distance learning

Unit

Department of Culture

Campus

Kouvola Campus

Teaching languages
  • English
Seats

20 - 35

Degree programmes
  • Degree Programme in Game Design
Teachers
  • Suvi Pylvänen
Teacher in charge

Suvi Pylvänen

Groups
  • GDKV19SP
    Game design, full-time studies
  • GDKV20SP
    Game design, full-time studies

Objective

You are familiar with the basic principles of interface design, usability, accessibility and user experience.
You are able to conduct usability tests and you are familiar with different test methods that can be applied to games.
You understand the basic psychology behind usability such as human perception and memory.
You are familiar with a user centred design process and the associated methods.
You know the most common interface design patterns and elements used in games.

Content

How to design user interfaces that are easy to use and accessible?
How to plan and implement a usability test and evaluate usability?

Opiskelumateriaali

Videos and reading material on Learn.

Books:
Celia Hodent. 2017. The Gamer's Brain : How Neuroscience and UX Can Impact Video Game Design. CRC Press.
https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/xamk-ebooks/detail.action?docID=4943930

Yksilölliset oppimisväylät

Learning route based on a working week
You will attend teaching and guidance sessions as specified in the schedule. Your study routine is determined by the scheduled group sessions and by the self-study assignments.

Learning route that accelerates the studies
If you have acquired prior learning in the subject (fully/partially), contact the teacher in charge prior the course to discuss whether you have the competence required and what are the methods of demonstrating that competence. If you are unable to attend all the classes due to other courses, you are required to complete the learning assignments independently.

Work-based learning route
You need to contact the course teacher prior the course to agree on development assignments that you will perform at your work place. You are required to prove your learning both in theory and practice by giving a presentation at Game Design show and tell day.

Opiskelijan työmäärä

Students complete assignments independently. In class, student will receive feedback and deepen their expertise. The assignments are mostly based on group work.

Evaluation scale

1-5

Assessment methods and criteria

UI/UX documentation produced
Learning diary
Self-evaluation