Unit Outline

This unit explores topics in Software Design and Implementation, Human-Computer Interaction and User Experience Design. You will explore the processes required for designing ICT systems that meets their functional goals but also satisfy the needs of the people who will be using them. Through an exploration of HCI and UX processes, various systems development methodologies, and all steps of the systems development lifecycle, you will learn the skills to design ICT systems that are fit for purpose. You will interact with design scenarios that are inspired by real-life implementations to identify the most appropriate software development and design methodologies to use to deliver a successful systems design project. Just like a real systems development team, you will work in a group, building on each other’s strengths to design, test and present a high-fidelity software application prototype to meet the requirement specification.

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	Describe and analyse a range of system development methodologies to determine when to use a particular approach
2	Design artefacts typically identified within the systems development life cycle that reflect a technology- and user-centric and user experience approach
3	Create and evaluate prototypes based on user experience principles to express application designs

Alterations as a result of student feedback

Nil

Teaching arrangements


ATTENDANCE MODE	TEACHING TYPE	LEARNING ACTIVITY	CONTACT HOURS	FREQUENCY
On Campus	Workshop	A structured real-time (i.e. synchronous) activity that involves a mix of presentation of new information/ideas/skills and guided activities related to that information/ideas/skills. All students are expected to attend.	2	StudyPeriod 12 times
Online	Lecture (Online)	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	StudyPeriod 11 times
Online	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.	3	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:	Requirements & Design Proposal	Week 4	30 %	LO1
Assessment Task 2:	Prototype & Design Review	Week 8	30 %	LO2, LO3
Assessment Task 3:	Final Project Evaluation & Defence	Week 12	35 %	LO1, LO3
Assessment Task 4:	In-semester Tests	Refer to Assessment Description	5 %	LO1, LO2, LO3

Assessment details

Assessment Task 1: Requirements & Design Proposal

Task Description:

Students will analyse a provided software specification and develop an initial solution proposal. Teams will identify stakeholder needs, analyse requirements, recommend and justify an appropriate Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), develop a Requirements Traceability Matrix (RTM), and create sketch-level interface designs demonstrating how user requirements will be addressed.

Presentation:

Groups will deliver a 10-minute presentation outlining:

* Stakeholder and user needs.
* Requirements identified.
* Chosen SDLC and rationale.
* Initial design concepts.
* Requirements traceability approach.

Following the presentation, assessors will ask questions relating to the project. Each group member must respond to at least one question to demonstrate understanding of the project and their contribution.

Supporting Artefacts

* Requirements analysis.
* SDLC rationale.
* Requirements Traceability Matrix (RTM).
* Sketch-level interface designs.

Weighting:

* Group presentation and questioning: 25%
* Supporting artefacts: 5%

Peer Review will be used to adjust individual marks.

Task Length:

1000 words (max.) + Design Sketches & RTM + 10 minute in-class group presentation with questions

Due Date:

Week 4

Weight:

30 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Select a development methodology and create an HCI/UX design plan that would result in a software product that meets the client’s requirements	LO1
2	Critically analyse the selected software development and HCI/UX methodologies to select the appropriate approach that meets the client’s requirements	LO1
3	Identify the key phases of selected software development methodology and align with the HCI/UX process	LO1
4	Convert a specification into a requirements traceability matrix with all requirements captured from the provided specification and develop a sketch design of the UI	LO1

Assessment Task 2: Prototype & Design Review

Task Description:

Students will develop low-fidelity and high-fidelity prototypes and create UML design artefacts that communicate the structure and behaviour of the proposed system. Teams will apply HCI principles and evaluation methods to assess and refine their designs.

Demonstration:

Groups will deliver a 15-minute prototype demonstration outlining:

* Prototype functionality and navigation.
* Application of HCI and UX principles.
* UML artefacts.
* Evaluation methods used.
* Design refinements undertaken.

Following the demonstration, assessors will ask questions relating to the design process, evaluation findings, and individual contributions. Each group member must respond to at least one question.

Supporting Artefacts:

* Low-fidelity prototype.
* High-fidelity prototype.
* UML artefacts.
* Updated RTM.
* Evaluation summary.

Weighting:

* Group demonstration and questioning: 25%
* Supporting artefacts: 5%

Peer Review will be used to adjust individual marks.

Task Length:

1500 words (max.) + Lo-Fi & Hi-Fi Prototypes + 15 minute in-class group presentation with questions

Due Date:

Week 8

Weight:

30 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Design the Low-Fi prototype using HCI principles and practices	LO3
2	Convert an RTM into Lo-Fi Prototype	LO2
3	Evaluate the Lo-Fi prototype based on HCI principles and practices	LO3
4	Develop the Hi-Fi prototype based on Lo-Fi and RTM	LO3
5	Evaluate Hi-Fi prototype based on HCI principles and practices	LO3
6	Appraise the significance of Prototyping SDLC	LO2

Assessment Task 3: Final Project Evaluation & Defence

Task Description:

Students will conduct user evaluations of their final prototype and analyse the findings using appropriate HCI methods. Teams will refine their solution based on the results and present the completed project, demonstrating the application of software engineering and HCI principles throughout the project lifecycle.

Presentation and Demonstration:

Groups will deliver a 20-minute presentation and demonstration outlining:

* The final prototype.
* Evaluation findings.
* Design refinements.
* Traceability between requirements and solution.
* Key software engineering and HCI decisions.
* Reflection on project outcomes.

Following the presentation, assessors will ask questions regarding project decisions, evaluation outcomes, and individual contributions. Each group member must respond to at least one question.

Supporting Artefacts:

* Final high-fidelity prototype.
* Final RTM.
* Final UML artefacts.
* Evaluation findings.

Weighting

* Group presentation, demonstration and questioning: 30%
* Supporting artefacts: 5%

Peer Review will be used to adjust individual marks.

Task Length:

2000 words (max.) + Hi-Fi Prototype, RTM & Presentation + 20 minute in-class group presentation with questions

Due Date:

Week 12

Weight:

35 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Refine a hi-fidelity prototype based on user feedback	LO3
2	Conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the hi-fidelity prototype with all functionality demonstrated as per a logically chosen and documented HCI/UX method	LO3
3	Present a finished hi-fidelity prototype	LO1
4	Document a complete design, prototyping and evaluation process, incorporating software development methodologies, in a professionally presented report	LO3

Assessment Task 4: In-semester Tests

Task Description:

This assessment includes ongoing evaluations during and after teaching activities during the semester. There will be 5 quizzes (Weeks 3, 5, 7, 9, 11) each worth 1% that will test students on aspects of design theory using scenario-based questions.

Task Length:

45 minutes

Due Date:

Refer to Assessment Description

Weight:

5 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Answer questions correctly on the software engineering and SDLC based on provided information and discussions during the sessions	LO1
2	Answer questions correctly on HCI principles and applied aspects based on provided information and discussions during the sessions	LO3
3	Answer questions correctly on software design and development based on provided information and discussions during the sessions	LO2
4	Answer questions correctly on functional and usability testing based on provided information and discussions during the sessions	LO2, LO3

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.

Academic progress review

The results for this unit may be included in a review of your academic progress. For information about progress reviews and what they mean for all students, see Academic Progress Review in the Student Portal.

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.