Unit Outline

This unit will explore the exciting field of virtual reality, mixed reality and the advanced concepts and technologies for interfacing humans with complex machines. We will discuss their potential impact on the way we think about computers and the way we interact with them. The unit will provide an introduction to advanced human-computer interfaces such as Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Tangible User Interface (TUI) technologies. Interface design principles will be reviewed from human factors and technological perspectives. Hardware, software, and design aspects of virtual interfaces will be investigated. We will also learn about these virtual interfaces designed and implemented in medicine, education, design and entertainment. Hands-on experience will be provided through a series of tutorial sessions to provide basic skills on using different tools to develop students' own simple interface applications. Completing this unit will provide you with an opportunity to obtain the Unity Certified User: VR Developer professional industry certification via completion of a certification exam.

Intended Learning Outcomes

As per the Assessment and Results Policy 1.3, your results will reflect your achievement against specified learning outcomes.

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


1	Discuss the need for and use of virtual and mixed reality technologies in the world today
2	Assess the potential of emerging interface technologies for real-world applications
3	Use an iterative design process to develop an interface application that utilises virtual or mixed reality technologies to meet specified user needs

Requisites


REQUISITE TYPE	REQUISITES
Pre-requisite	KIT101 or KIT107 or KIT109

Alterations as a result of student feedback

NiL.

Teaching arrangements


ATTENDANCE MODE	TEACHING TYPE	LEARNING ACTIVITY	CONTACT HOURS	FREQUENCY
On Campus	Lecture (On Campus)	A real-time (i.e. synchronous) interactive activity involving the whole class whose primary purpose is the presentation and structuring of information/ideas/skills to facilitate student learning. All students are expected to attend.	1	Weekly
	Tutorial	A structured real-time (i.e. synchronous) computer-based activity in a small-group setting where the primary purpose is the clarification, exploration or reinforcement of subject content presented or accessed at another time or place (e.g. lecture, preparatory work). It is teacher supported and may involve student-teacher and/or student-student interaction and dialogue for achievement of its learning outcomes. The students enrolled in the class are expected to attend.	2	Weekly
	Independent Learning	Involving reading, listening to audio, watching video, and/or completing exercises and/or quizzes, self-study is individual work undertaken when the student chooses (i.e. asynchronous), most likely through engagement with MyLO. The content is examinable, and may need to be completed prior to attending classes and/or attempting assessment tasks.	1	Weekly

Attendance / engagement expectations

If your unit is offered On campus, it is expected that you will attend all on-campus and onsite learning activities. This is to support your own learning and the development of a learning community within the unit. If you are unable to attend regularly, please discuss the situation with your course coordinator and/or our UConnect support team.

If your unit is offered Online or includes online activities, it is expected you will engage in all those activities as indicated in the Unit Outline or MyLO, including any self-directed learning.

If you miss a learning activity for a legitimate reason (e.g., illness, carer responsibilities) teaching staff will attempt to provide alternative activities (e.g., make up readings) where it is possible.

How will I be Assessed?

For more detailed assessment information please see MyLO.

Assessment schedule


ASSESSMENT TASK #	ASSESSMENT TASK NAME	DATE DUE	WEIGHT	LINKS TO INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
Assessment Task 1:	Essay	Week 4	15 %	LO1, LO2
Assessment Task 2:	Development of Interface Application (I)	Week 6	20 %	LO1, LO2, LO3
Assessment Task 3:	Development of Interface Application (II)	Week 9	20 %	LO1, LO2, LO3
Assessment Task 4:	Design of Interface Application	Week 12	20 %	LO1, LO2, LO3
Assessment Task 5:	Development and Evaluation of Interface Application	Week 15	25 %	LO2, LO3

Assessment details

Assessment Task 1: Essay

Task Description:

Review of an existing interface technology application:

Students will write a review of an existing application with advanced human-computer interface technologies. The review will consist of the general description of the application, user needs, the analysis of the application's strengths and weaknesses, and the impact of the interface technologies.

Task Length:

700 words

Due Date:

Week 4 (16/Aug/2024)

Weight:

15 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Describe the features and functions of the interface technology	LO1
2	Review the use of and need for the interface technology	LO1
3	Assess the strengths and weaknesses of the interface technology	LO2

Assessment Task 2: Development of Interface Application (I)

Task Description:

Students will design and implement a simple interface solution to address one of provided specific scenarios. First, the interface requirements need to be determined. Then, students will use the skills learned earlier in the semester to design and implement the interface solution to address the user needs in the application. The submission will consist of a software code package and a written report.

Students will be pre-selected to work on either VR or AR technology.

Task Length:

700 words

Due Date:

Week 6 (31/Aug/2024)

Weight:

20 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Detail the features and functions of the interface application	LO1
2	Design an interface application to address the scenario	LO3
3	Implement the software interface application using selected technology	LO3
4	Assess the strengths and weaknesses of the interface technology for this scenario	LO2

Assessment Task 3: Development of Interface Application (II)

Task Description:

Students will design and implement a simple interface solution to address one of provided specific scenarios. First, the interface requirements need to be determined. Then, students will use the skills learned earlier in the semester to design and implement the interface solution to address the user needs in the application. The submission will consist of software code package and a written report.

Students will be pre-selected to work on the other (VR or AR) interface technology that they have not worked in the assignment task 2.

Task Length:

700 words

Due Date:

Week 9 (27/Sep/2024)

Weight:

20 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Detail the features and functions of the interface application	LO1
2	Design an interface application to address scenario	LO3
3	Implement the software interface application using selected technology	LO3
4	Assess the strengths and weaknesses of the interface technology for this scenario	LO2

Assessment Task 4: Design of Interface Application

Task Description:

This is a research assignment for a group of 3-4 students. Groups will identify the user needs in one of the pervasive problems that require an interface design solution to solve. The chosen pervasive problem should be relevant and significant in a global context. The emerging interface technologies should be considered in the design process and groups should research the strengths and weaknesses of the interface technology. Groups will design the interface solution.

Task Length:

1,500 words

Due Date:

Week 12 (18/Oct/2024)

Weight:

20 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Detail the features and functions of the interface application	LO1
2	Design an application to address pervasive problems using emerging interface technology	LO3
3	Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the interface technology to solve the problem	LO2

Assessment Task 5: Development and Evaluation of Interface Application

Task Description:

This is a continuing research assignment of the student group work in the prior group assignment (assignment task 4). Groups will use the design of the interface solution to guide the implementation of the interface application. Then, usability testing will be conducted. The submission will consist of a software code package and a written research report.

Task Length:

1.500 words

Due Date:

Week 15 (08/Nov/2024)

Weight:

25 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Implement the software interface application using selected technology to meet the user interface requirements	LO3
2	Assess the usability of the developed software application	LO2

How your final result is determined

To pass this unit, you need to demonstrate your attainment of each of the Intended Learning Outcomes, achieve a final unit grade of 50% or greater, and pass any hurdle tasks.

Submission of assignments

Where practicable, assignments should be submitted to an assignment submission folder in MYLO. You must submit assignments by the due date or receive a penalty (unless an extension of time has been approved by the Unit Coordinator). Students submitting any assignment in hard copy, or because of a practicum finalisation, must attach a student cover sheet and signed declaration for the submission to be accepted for marking.

Academic integrity

Academic integrity is about acting responsibly, honestly, ethically, and collegially when using, producing, and communicating information with other students and staff members.

In written work, you must correctly reference the work of others to maintain academic integrity. To find out the referencing style for this unit, see the assessment information in the MyLO site, or contact your teaching staff. For more detail about Academic Integrity, see Important Guidelines & Support.

Requests for extensions

If you are unable to submit an assessment task by the due date, you should apply for an extension.

A request for an extension should first be discussed with your Unit Coordinator or teaching support team where possible. A request for an extension must be submitted by the assessment due date, except where you can provide evidence it was not possible to do so. Typically, an application for an extension will be supported by documentary evidence: however, where it is not possible for you to provide evidence please contact your Unit Coordinator.

The Unit Coordinator must notify you of the outcome of an extension request within 3 working days of receiving the request.

Late penalties

Assignments submitted after the deadline will receive a late penalty of 5% of the original available mark for each calendar day (or part day) that the assignment is late. Late submissions will not be accepted more than 10 calendar days after the due date, or after assignments have been returned to other students on a scheduled date, whichever occurs first. Further information on Late Penalties can be found on the Assessments and Results Procedure.

Review of results and appeals

You are entitled to ask for a review of the marking and grading of your assessment task if there is an irregularity in the marking standards or an error in the process for determining the outcome of an assessment. Details on how to request a review of a mark for an assignment are outlined in the Review and Appeal of Academic Decisions Procedure.

Required Resources

Required reading materials

N/A