ClassInfo

HCI 445 User Research Methods

Fall 2013-2014
Class number: 11045
Section number: 701
Th 5:45PM - 9:00PM
CDM 00230 Loop Campus

Summary

This course introduces students to research methods used to understand end users and their tasks. Specifically, students will learn how to select the most appropriate methods to collect and analyze data about users. Methods taught include (but not limited to) observations, interviews, surveys, contextual inquiry, and focus groups. Students will also learn how to effectively communicate and summarize their findings using personas, scenarios, and information visualization techniques. Methods will be applied during course assignments. Lastly, students will learn the role of user research in the design process.



Texts

Required:
-Goodman, E., Kuniavsky, M., and Moed, A. (2012). Observing the User Experience: A Practitioner's Guide to User Research (2nd Edition). San Francisco, CA: Elsevier.

Optional:
- Lazar, J, Feng, J.H., and Hocheiser, H. (2010). Research methods in Human-computer Interaction. West Sussex, UK: John Wiley & Sons.
- Salkind, N. J, (2010). Statistics for People Who (Think They) Hate Statistics (Fourth edition). Sage Publications: San Francisco, CA, USA

Additional readings may be posted on the D2L website.


Grading

There is a total of 100 available points (see assignments for distribution).

94 - 100 A
90 - 93 A-
88 - 89 B+
84 - 87 B
80 - 83 B-
78 - 79 C+
74 - 77 C
70 - 73 C-
68 - 69 D+
64 - 67 D
60 - 63 D-


School policies:

Changes to Syllabus

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.

Online Course Evaluations

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.

Academic Integrity and Plagiarism

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.

Academic Policies

All students are required to manage their class schedules each term in accordance with the deadlines for enrolling and withdrawing as indicated in the University Academic Calendar. Information on enrollment, withdrawal, grading and incompletes can be found at http://www.cdm.depaul.edu/Current%20Students/Pages/PoliciesandProcedures.aspx.

Students with Disabilities

Students who feel they may need an accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact the instructor privately to discuss their specific needs. All discussions will remain confidential.
To ensure that you receive the most appropriate accommodation based on your needs, contact the instructor as early as possible in the quarter (preferably within the first week of class), and make sure that you have contacted the Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD) at:
Lewis Center 1420, 25 East Jackson Blvd.
Phone number: (312)362-8002
Fax: (312)362-6544
TTY: (773)325.7296