Interaction with the User

n. d. 

The following teaching methodologies are used in this course:

• Expository method: explanatory method where facts, concepts, principles and generalizations are defined and presented by the teacher and discussed with the class, followed by demonstrative examples;
• Experimental method: active method where the student develops knowledge through problem solving and project development, in group dynamics and individual and reflective work.

• Identify the importance of the user interface;
• Identify the main characteristics of the human being that influence the development of interfaces;
• Understand the concept of user-centered interaction design;
• Know and apply the principles of usability;
• Know and apply the principles of universal design/accessibility;
• Know and apply visual interface design principles;
• Identify and apply interaction design patterns;
• Know and use prototyping techniques;
• Know and use techniques for evaluating interfaces;
• Analyse and specify users’ requirements at interaction level;
• Design, implement and evaluate interfaces.

• Introduction
  – Basic concepts; UI vs UX; areas of knowledge that influence UI
  – Importance and evolution of user interaction
• Human being (user) vs. computer
  – Perception, memory and processing
  – Input and output devices
• User modelling and task analysis
  – The PACT framework
  – Personas and mental models
  – Task and scenario analysis
• User-centered UI design
  – User-centered design principles
• Visual interface design fundamentals
  – Gestalt principles and visual hierarchy
  – Grids, alignment and spacing
  – Typography, color and contrast
  – Consistency and design systems
• UI design patterns
  – Basic concepts and examples (web and mobile)
  – Responsive design
• Prototyping
  – Wireframes, mockups and interactive prototypes
  – Interface prototyping with Figma
• Usability
  – Nielsen’s heuristics and best practices
  – Usability evaluation methods
• Accessibility
  – Universal design
  – Accessibility of web pages and standalone applications
  – Automatic and manual evaluation (WCAG 2.2)

Periodic evaluation

• written test - 20.0%
• 3 assignments - 80.0%

Evaluation by exam (normal and resit)

• exam - 30.0%
• 1 assignment - 70.0%

Minimum of 40% for each evaluation component.

Written exam grades are not kept between periods.

If considered relevant, students may be asked to defend their work.

In both cases, the rules apply equally to students who enjoy student-worker status (and similar).

NAO