DXB110 Principles of Interaction and UX Design


To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.


Unit Outline: Semester 1 2024, Kelvin Grove, Internal

Unit code:DXB110
Credit points:12
Equivalent:DXB201
Assumed Knowledge:

It is assumed that you are computer literate - which means you know how to use a typical computer (Mac and/or Windows), and can use standard desktop applications such as a word processor, email and web browser

Coordinator:Nick Kelly | nick.kelly@qut.edu.au
Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of the teaching period.

Overview

This unit introduces Interaction and UX Design theories, methods, tools and applications essential for the design of digital products, services and experiences for human interaction. It enables you to undertake user experience research in response to real world briefs, critique leading industry case studies and practices, iteratively prototype solutions, and evaluate usability of the outcome with regard to user experience. Amidst global proliferation of digital products and services shaped by trends in augmented and virtual reality, automation, smart homes, and the Internet of Things; there is a greater emphasis on designing digital interactions, interfaces and systems that improve the human experience. In order to effectively achieve that, this unit provides foundational skills and knowledge in human-centred design, including aspects of the interaction design lifecycle, methods, tools and techniques needed to solve real world problems.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:

  1. Identify, critique and apply theoretical principles and processes of Interaction Design and user-centred design in practice.
  2. Synthesise theoretical principles of interaction design in practice using visual processes and 'lo-fi' interactive prototypes.
  3. Critically analyse and implement approaches that evaluate design outcomes against established design goals, the design context and best practice interaction design guidelines.

Content

This unit presents lectures and design studios that address content such as:

  • theoretical foundations of Interaction Design methods, including user-centred design, aesthetics, usability and experience design
  • applications of IxD across diverse contexts, e.g. cross-cultural, commercial, experimental and exploratory contexts
  • fundamentals of practical processes, tools and techniques for deep understanding of user needs, expectations and behaviours
  • methods for applying theoretical principles in practice
  • creating concepts for design that meaningfully responds to a given brief and context
  • fundamental approaches to evaluate outcomes against design goals, including low-fidelity prototyping techniques
  • understanding and writing design rationales.

Learning Approaches

The unit is delivered through a blended set of face-to-face and online lectures that are supported by real world case studies and demonstrations of interaction design that contextualise the unit within the broader societal and cultural context. Studio-based activities will combine critiques of established and contemporary IxD theories and practices with practical application of human-centred design techniques through user research, observational studies, fieldwork and visual prototyping of interactions.

In the online mode of this unit, you will learn through engaging in a variety of online activities, online self-directed learning, and weekly research and readings that are designed to support your learning experience. The recorded lectures will examine conceptual and theoretical principles and issues across a variety of design areas, with a focus on contemporary case studies. Throughout the online delivery of this unit, you will receive support from your instructors and peers. You will have access to online resources and materials, and you will be able to communicate with your instructors and peers via various online platforms. A variety of support materials will be published on the Canvas website to coordinate the unit.

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

Feedback in this unit is provided to you in following ways:

  • in-class formative exercises
  • criteria sheets
  • Canvas general comments to cohort group
  • collaborative peer feedback.

Assessment

Overview

This unit involves two summative assessment items focusing on interaction design theory and practice.

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Interrogating a brief through research

You will present a portfolio of outcomes from interrogating a design brief using Interaction and UX Design practices. This will involve understanding users, their goals, and the broad context for a design problem. You will use industry-appropriate representations of interactions between people and things.
 
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Weight: 40
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): Early Semester
Related Unit learning outcomes: 1, 3

Assessment: Design Concept and Prototype

You will produce a design concept addressing a given real world design problem / brief. Your designs will include visual annotations identifying specific theoretical concepts and principles you have applied. Supporting concept documentation will include a short design rationale, user journey, wireframes, low-fidelity prototype and a short video of use case scenario that positions your concept within a real world context.
 
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Weight: 60
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): Late Semester
Related Unit learning outcomes: 2, 3

Academic Integrity

Students are expected to engage in learning and assessment at QUT with honesty, transparency and fairness. Maintaining academic integrity means upholding these principles and demonstrating valuable professional capabilities based on ethical foundations.

Failure to maintain academic integrity can take many forms. It includes cheating in examinations, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, and submitting an assessment item completed by another person (e.g. contract cheating). It can also include providing your assessment to another entity, such as to a person or website.

You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.

Further details of QUT’s approach to academic integrity are outlined in the Academic integrity policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Breaching QUT’s Academic integrity policy is regarded as student misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.

Requirements to Study

Requirements

All students and staff who access campus buildings and facilities are required to complete the Tier 1 General Health and Safety Induction. This must be completed online.

Resources

A list of resource materials for this subject will be provided on the subject’s Canvas site.

Resource Materials

Other

To enable your full participation in the virtual learning environment, for example, participating in online activities and engaging with online learning materials, you will need access to a reliable computer with an internet connection, webcam, headset and microphone, as well as a learning environment where you are able to fully participate undisturbed when required.

Risk Assessment Statement

For risks associated with using campus buildings or facilities, refer to the Tier 1 General Health and Safety Induction.

Where substantial computer-based work is required, particularly in the case of fully online students, you are recommended to take regular rest breaks when engaging in prolonged computer-based work, and ensure that your workstation is set up for optimal comfort to prevent strain or injury. 

In this unit you may undertake lectures and studios in the traditional lecture theatres and design studios. As such, there are no extraordinary workplace health and safety issues associated with these components of the unit. Assessment involves working with and submitting digital files. As such it is recommended that you develop a regular process for backing up your work, as to ensure work is not lost in the event of a computer/hardware failure.

Course Learning Outcomes

This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.

DE43 Bachelor of Design

  1. Demonstrate theoretical and technical design knowledge, synthesising methods and theories of design in dynamic and evolving contexts.
    Relates to: ULO1, Interrogating a brief through research
  2. Recognise the consequences of design and its impact on the world, with respect to open, ethical and inclusive core design values acknowledging global, cultural and / or indigenous contexts.
    Relates to: ULO1, Interrogating a brief through research
  3. Evaluate and translate conceptual and critical design methodologies and tools and transfer to new and complex challenges.
    Relates to: ULO2, Design Concept and Prototype
  4. Demonstrate technical proficiencies to undertake rigorous and iterative design experimentation that considers participatory and co-creation design processes.
    Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, Interrogating a brief through research, Design Concept and Prototype
  5. Communicate coherently, independently and/or collaboratively using a range of media to convey and share design knowledge and ideas to diverse audiences in a range of contexts.
    Relates to: ULO3, Interrogating a brief through research, Design Concept and Prototype
  6. Use transdisciplinary methods to effectively work in diverse teams to address real-world challenges.
    Relates to: ULO3, Interrogating a brief through research, Design Concept and Prototype

DE45 Bachelor of Design - International

  1. Demonstrate theoretical and technical design knowledge, synthesising methods and theories of design in dynamic and evolving contexts.
    Relates to: ULO1, Interrogating a brief through research
  2. Recognise the consequences of design and its impact on the world, with respect to open, ethical and inclusive core design values acknowledging global, cultural and / or indigenous contexts.
    Relates to: ULO1, Interrogating a brief through research
  3. Evaluate and translate conceptual and critical design methodologies and tools and transfer to new and complex challenges.
    Relates to: ULO2, Design Concept and Prototype
  4. Demonstrate technical proficiencies to undertake rigorous and iterative design experimentation that considers participatory and co-creation design processes.
    Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, Interrogating a brief through research, Design Concept and Prototype
  5. Communicate coherently, independently and/or collaboratively using a range of media to convey and share design knowledge and ideas to diverse audiences in a range of contexts.
    Relates to: ULO3, Interrogating a brief through research, Design Concept and Prototype
  6. Use transdisciplinary methods to effectively work in diverse teams to address real-world challenges.
    Relates to: ULO3, Interrogating a brief through research, Design Concept and Prototype

KK43 Bachelor of Creative Industries

  1. Demonstrate broad and coherent theoretical and practical knowledge required for creative enterprise, career development and interdisciplinary collaborations, supported by depth in at least one creative disciplinary area.
    Relates to: ULO1
  2. Demonstrate well-developed cognitive and ideation skills to identify, analyse and evaluate opportunities to address authentic complex problems.
    Relates to: ULO2
  3. Demonstrate technical expertise to support skills and knowledge within the Creative Industries.
    Relates to: ULO2, ULO3
  4. Communicate effectively in a range of forms across multiple media modes, for sharing and disseminating knowledge, skills and ideas, and collaborative practice and navigation of social networks.
    Relates to: ULO3