CSC 540 Mobile Application Development II
Summary
What makes the mobile device a unique computing platform? How can these properties be exploited to create new experiences for users? This class focuses on the programming, use, and HCI concerns of mobile media applications focusing on creating compelling user experiences that solve real-world needs. It covers the basics of Android programming and explores mobile imaging and media creation, location, user-centered design, usability testing, prototyping, and field evaluation. Significant emphasis will be given to current research in the field as presented in the CHI, Ubicomp, and Pervasive communities.
Texts
We'll be using a draft of "Building Mobile Experiences" by Frank Bentley and Edward Barrett. PDFs of chapters will be available at no charge.
Grading
This is a project course and the majority of the grade will be based on several small weekly assignments and a larger final project. A percentage of the grade will also come from class/blog/wiki participation.
Prerequisites
Significant Java programming experience required. Some overview knowledge of HCI concepts would be helpful, but not strictly necessary.
Note: First session will meet on 9/20 (Class will not be held on 9/13 and 9/27. These classes will be made up at the convenience of the in-person students.) This syllabus is tentative and is open to modification based on interest of class.
Introduction to Mobile Computing. Topic areas of research and recent product development. History of Mobile Computing. Basic Android fundamentals.
Mobile Location. Location APIs, Location based services, Social use of location data.
Generative Research for Mobile Applications. Ethnographic-style research. Affinity Analysis.
Data and Connectivity. Bluetooth, 3G/4G, WiFi. Carrier restrictions on data use. Difficulties of mobile data.
Mobile Design. Concept Models, Wireframes, Paper Prototyping and Usability.
Rapid Prototyping. Getting concepts built quickly and into real world use. Field trials. Usefulness vs. Usability.
Media Capture and Social Networking. Examples of media capture and annotation systems. Live video streaming. Use in political protests and disasters. Social Networking services for mobile devices. MotoBLUR.
Mobile Persuasion. Encouraging behavior change through mobile technology. Health monitoring, pedometer apps. Social health systems.
Urban Computing. Using mobile devices in the city. Bike availability, sidewalk hazards, air quality sensing, traffic sensing, etc.
Wearables. Mobile phones integrated with clothing. Examples from MIT Media Lab. Amarino toolkit. Basic Arduino programming.
Commercialization. App stores and Marketplaces. Conducting public beta trials. Scalability of mobile web services.
Final Project Presentations.
This syllabus is subject to change as necessary during the quarter. If a change occurs, it will be thoroughly addressed during class, posted under Announcements in D2L and sent via email.
Evaluations are a way for students to provide valuable feedback regarding their instructor and the course. Detailed feedback will enable the instructor to continuously tailor teaching methods and course
content to meet the learning goals of the course and the academic needs of the students. They are a requirement of the course and are key to continue to provide you with the highest quality of teaching. The
evaluations are anonymous; the instructor and administration do not track who entered what responses. A program is used to check if the student completed the evaluations, but the evaluation is completely
separate from the student’s identity. Since 100% participation is our goal, students are sent periodic reminders over three weeks. Students do not receive reminders once they complete the evaluation.
Students complete the evaluation online in CampusConnect.
This course will be subject to the university's academic integrity policy. More information can be found at http://academicintegrity.depaul.edu/ If you
have any questions be sure to consult with your professor.
All students are expected to abide by the University's Academic Integrity Policy which prohibits cheating and other misconduct in student coursework. Publicly sharing or posting online any prior or current materials from this course (including exam questions or answers), is considered to be providing unauthorized assistance prohibited by the policy. Both students who share/post and students who access or use such materials are considered to be cheating under the Policy and will be subject to sanctions for violations of Academic Integrity.
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