IFQ637 Human-Centred Design of IT Systems
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 code: | IFQ637 |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite(s): | IFQ585 or IFN585 or (IFQ552 and IFQ558) or (IFN552 and IFN558) OR admission into IQ15 |
| Equivalent(s): | IFN591, IFQ591, IFN637 |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
| CSP student contribution | $1,192 |
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $4,116 |
| International unit fee | $5,616 |
Unit Outline: Session 2 2026, QUT Online, Online
| Unit code: | IFQ637 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | IFQ585 or IFN585 or (IFQ552 and IFQ558) or (IFN552 and IFN558) OR admission into IQ15 |
| Equivalent: | IFN637 OR IFN591 or IFQ591 |
Overview
Human-centred design is an approach to developing interactive technology that puts the people we are designing for at the heart of the process. In this unit, you will learn human-centred design by working collaboratively with end users and organisations to understand their needs and contexts, define the problem, develop technology ideas and prototypes, and evaluate them. This process is widely recognised as a key success factor for interactive technologies that shape how we live, work, socialise, learn, play, and manage our wellbeing. understanding how to design technologies in a human-centred way will give you an edge in the marketplace for jobs as User Experience professional, IT Developer or Interaction Designer.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Apply established human-centred design methods to prepare a research proposal for studying people and technologies in an industry-relevant real-world context.
- Conduct research by collaborating with end users and peers and critically analyse the data to define the design problem.
- Research and apply established design methods and theories to create an interactive prototype and evaluate it in collaboration with end users.
- Conduct human-centred design research in an ethical and transparent manner including consideration of NHMRC Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research guidelines.
- Interpret and transmit knowledge, skills, and ideas to specialist and non-specialist audiences through presentations, reports, and prototypes.
Content
Human-centred design methods and theories are used to study user needs, create a design brief, generate ideas, develop an interactive technology prototype, and evaluate it in a particular context.
You will learn:
- Principles of human-centred design, such as participation, iteration, and cultural considerations, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander considerations.
- Design methods, like interviews, card sorting, cultural probes, and usability evaluation.
- Design specifications, like personas and journey maps.
- Design theories, like user experience frameworks, affordances.
- Ideation techniques, low-fidelity and high-fidelity prototyping.
- Values and principles of ethical conduct, such as respect, reciprocity, and integrity, based on the NHMRC National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research and the NHMRC Guidelines on Ethical Conduct in Research with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and Communities.
- Engaging effectively with an industry partner and the importance of confidentiality.
Learning Approaches
This unit is designed for asynchronous online study, with activities including numerous short videos, podcasts and exercises carefully chosen to reinforce key skills and concepts. You will have the opportunity to participate in online discussions with peers and teaching staff.
The unit uses a project-based approach, where you will work on a human-centred design project to create an interactive technology prototype. Online modules will cover the necessary background on theories of human behaviour and experience, user interface concepts, and design and research methods. You will then apply these theories and methods to your own project and work hands-on to identify user needs, generate ideas and prototypes, and to evaluate the usability and user experience with these prototypes.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
You will have a range of opportunities to receive feedback on your learning and progress in this unit including:
- formative in-class individual and whole-of-class feedback provided by unit staff during discussion activities
- responses to questions posed through the unit communication channel from your peers and teaching staff
- feedback given on your assessment items individually via the rubric and written feedback.
Assessment
Overview
The assessment in this unit requires you to work in teams and is based on a 3-part human-centred design project informed by a real-world partner.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: User Research Proposal
You will be provided with a design brief by an industry partner and will prepare a user research proposal for the client. The proposal will contain a research plan, research instruments (e.g., interview guide, diary instructions), and ethics documents (participant information sheet, consent form). The proposal will be submitted as a recorded presentation.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: User Research Report
The aim of this assessment is to conduct research with people in a real-world context and to define their needs and a problem-opportunity space. This assessment is based on the proposal presented in Assessment 1. Assessment 2 is presented through a report that describes the background (for example, a persona and a journey map), a design brief, and detailed appendices. This report will be prepared and shared with the industry partner.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Prototype Design and Evaluation
The aim of this assessment is to develop and evaluate an interactive technology prototype. the design specifications presented in Assessment 2 are used as a starting point to generate a range of design ideas and sketches, which will be refined into an interactive prototype (for example, a paper prototype, a wireframe, or a high-fidelity prototype). The prototype will be tested with intended users to see what works and if it meets their needs. The design ideas, interaction with the prototype, and user feedback will be presented through a video. The prototype will be shared with the industry partner.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
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.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
There is no required textbook in tis unit. All learning materials will be provided via the Canvas site. This unit utilises a range of different software, which is available in computer laboratories or is freely available.
Resource Materials
Recommended text(s)
National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research 2023, available on https://www.nhmrc.gov.au/about-us/publications/national-statement-ethical-conduct-human-research-2023
Ethical conduct in research with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and communities: Guidelines for researchers and stakeholders, available on https://www.nhmrc.gov.au/about-us/publications/ethical-conduct-research-aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-peoples-and-communities
Links to human-computer interaction and design articles will be provided via the Canvas site.
Software
Links to free wireframing and video editing software will be provided via the Canvas site.
Risk Assessment Statement
This unit involves research with people to design and evaluate digital technology through methods like interviews, observation, and diary research. This research will be covered by a unit level ethics application to protect study participants and students. Students are required to complete human research ethics training in class and to prepare a research proposal, consent forms, and information sheets before starting data collection.
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.IQ20 Master of Information Technology
- Demonstrate advanced specialist IT knowledge in at least one information technology discipline
Relates to: ULO1, User Research Proposal - Critically analyse complex IT problems and opportunities and use creativity and problem-solving skills to generate innovative and novel solutions that are convincingly justified.
Relates to: ULO2, User Research Report - Integrate advanced, industry-best practice, IT methods, tools and techniques to develop and implement complex IT systems, processes and/or software.
Relates to: ULO3, Prototype Design and Evaluation - Demonstrate knowledge of IT research principles and methods and their application to IT focused, real-world scholarly or professional projects.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, User Research Proposal, User Research Report, Prototype Design and Evaluation - Employ leadership and initiative in both self-directed and collaborative contexts to create value for others
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, User Research Report, Prototype Design and Evaluation - Communicate effectively in IT professional and scholarly contexts to specialist and non-specialist audiences using written, visual and oral formats.
Relates to: ULO5, User Research Proposal, User Research Report, Prototype Design and Evaluation - Demonstrate business acumen and well-developed values, attitudes, behaviours and judgements in professional contexts.
Relates to: ULO4, User Research Proposal, User Research Report, Prototype Design and Evaluation - Create positive change through critically reflecting upon and actioning responses to the social, cultural, ethical, sustainability, legal and accessibility issues in the IT field, including how they relate to First Nations Australians and diverse populations.
Relates to: ULO4, User Research Proposal, User Research Report, Prototype Design and Evaluation
Unit Outline: Session 4 2026, QUT Online, Online
| Unit code: | IFQ637 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | IFQ585 or IFN585 or (IFQ552 and IFQ558) or (IFN552 and IFN558) OR admission into IQ15 |
| Equivalent: | IFN637 OR IFN591 or IFQ591 |
Overview
Human-centred design is an approach to developing interactive technology that puts the people we are designing for at the heart of the process. In this unit, you will learn human-centred design by working collaboratively with end users and organisations to understand their needs and contexts, define the problem, develop technology ideas and prototypes, and evaluate them. This process is widely recognised as a key success factor for interactive technologies that shape how we live, work, socialise, learn, play, and manage our wellbeing. understanding how to design technologies in a human-centred way will give you an edge in the marketplace for jobs as User Experience professional, IT Developer or Interaction Designer.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Apply established human-centred design methods to prepare a research proposal for studying people and technologies in an industry-relevant real-world context.
- Conduct research by collaborating with end users and peers and critically analyse the data to define the design problem.
- Research and apply established design methods and theories to create an interactive prototype and evaluate it in collaboration with end users.
- Conduct human-centred design research in an ethical and transparent manner including consideration of NHMRC Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research guidelines.
- Interpret and transmit knowledge, skills, and ideas to specialist and non-specialist audiences through presentations, reports, and prototypes.
Content
Human-centred design methods and theories are used to study user needs, create a design brief, generate ideas, develop an interactive technology prototype, and evaluate it in a particular context.
You will learn:
- Principles of human-centred design, such as participation, iteration, and cultural considerations, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander considerations.
- Design methods, like interviews, card sorting, cultural probes, and usability evaluation.
- Design specifications, like personas and journey maps.
- Design theories, like user experience frameworks, affordances.
- Ideation techniques, low-fidelity and high-fidelity prototyping.
- Values and principles of ethical conduct, such as respect, reciprocity, and integrity, based on the NHMRC National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research and the NHMRC Guidelines on Ethical Conduct in Research with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and Communities.
- Engaging effectively with an industry partner and the importance of confidentiality.
Learning Approaches
This unit is designed for asynchronous online study, with activities including numerous short videos, podcasts and exercises carefully chosen to reinforce key skills and concepts. You will have the opportunity to participate in online discussions with peers and teaching staff.
The unit uses a project-based approach, where you will work on a human-centred design project to create an interactive technology prototype. Online modules will cover the necessary background on theories of human behaviour and experience, user interface concepts, and design and research methods. You will then apply these theories and methods to your own project and work hands-on to identify user needs, generate ideas and prototypes, and to evaluate the usability and user experience with these prototypes.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
You will have a range of opportunities to receive feedback on your learning and progress in this unit including:
- formative in-class individual and whole-of-class feedback provided by unit staff during discussion activities
- responses to questions posed through the unit communication channel from your peers and teaching staff
- feedback given on your assessment items individually via the rubric and written feedback.
Assessment
Overview
The assessment in this unit requires you to work in teams and is based on a 3-part human-centred design project informed by a real-world partner.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: User Research Proposal
You will be provided with a design brief by an industry partner and will prepare a user research proposal for the client. The proposal will contain a research plan, research instruments (e.g., interview guide, diary instructions), and ethics documents (participant information sheet, consent form). The proposal will be submitted as a recorded presentation.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: User Research Report
The aim of this assessment is to conduct research with people in a real-world context and to define their needs and a problem-opportunity space. This assessment is based on the proposal presented in Assessment 1. Assessment 2 is presented through a report that describes the background (for example, a persona and a journey map), a design brief, and detailed appendices. This report will be prepared and shared with the industry partner.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Prototype Design and Evaluation
The aim of this assessment is to develop and evaluate an interactive technology prototype. the design specifications presented in Assessment 2 are used as a starting point to generate a range of design ideas and sketches, which will be refined into an interactive prototype (for example, a paper prototype, a wireframe, or a high-fidelity prototype). The prototype will be tested with intended users to see what works and if it meets their needs. The design ideas, interaction with the prototype, and user feedback will be presented through a video. The prototype will be shared with the industry partner.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
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.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
There is no required textbook in tis unit. All learning materials will be provided via the Canvas site. This unit utilises a range of different software, which is available in computer laboratories or is freely available.
Resource Materials
Recommended text(s)
National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research 2023, available on https://www.nhmrc.gov.au/about-us/publications/national-statement-ethical-conduct-human-research-2023
Ethical conduct in research with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and communities: Guidelines for researchers and stakeholders, available on https://www.nhmrc.gov.au/about-us/publications/ethical-conduct-research-aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-peoples-and-communities
Links to human-computer interaction and design articles will be provided via the Canvas site.
Software
Links to free wireframing and video editing software will be provided via the Canvas site.
Risk Assessment Statement
This unit involves research with people to design and evaluate digital technology through methods like interviews, observation, and diary research. This research will be covered by a unit level ethics application to protect study participants and students. Students are required to complete human research ethics training in class and to prepare a research proposal, consent forms, and information sheets before starting data collection.
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.IQ20 Master of Information Technology
- Demonstrate advanced specialist IT knowledge in at least one information technology discipline
Relates to: ULO1, User Research Proposal - Critically analyse complex IT problems and opportunities and use creativity and problem-solving skills to generate innovative and novel solutions that are convincingly justified.
Relates to: ULO2, User Research Report - Integrate advanced, industry-best practice, IT methods, tools and techniques to develop and implement complex IT systems, processes and/or software.
Relates to: ULO3, Prototype Design and Evaluation - Demonstrate knowledge of IT research principles and methods and their application to IT focused, real-world scholarly or professional projects.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, User Research Proposal, User Research Report, Prototype Design and Evaluation - Employ leadership and initiative in both self-directed and collaborative contexts to create value for others
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, User Research Report, Prototype Design and Evaluation - Communicate effectively in IT professional and scholarly contexts to specialist and non-specialist audiences using written, visual and oral formats.
Relates to: ULO5, User Research Proposal, User Research Report, Prototype Design and Evaluation - Demonstrate business acumen and well-developed values, attitudes, behaviours and judgements in professional contexts.
Relates to: ULO4, User Research Proposal, User Research Report, Prototype Design and Evaluation - Create positive change through critically reflecting upon and actioning responses to the social, cultural, ethical, sustainability, legal and accessibility issues in the IT field, including how they relate to First Nations Australians and diverse populations.
Relates to: ULO4, User Research Proposal, User Research Report, Prototype Design and Evaluation