Skip to main content

Usability and user interface design (5 cr)

Code: GD00CU06-3006

General information


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

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?

Materials

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

Teaching methods

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.

Student workload

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