Demonstrate understanding of Human Computer Interaction (HCI)

In this course students/ākonga will learn about and apply their knowledge of usability heuristics, to analyse chosen interfaces as they relate to performing particular tasks to demonstrate their understanding of human computer interaction. 

HCI is made up of multiple areas that focus on the design, evaluation, and the creation of interactive computer systems, with the ultimate goal of enhancing the interaction between humans and the technology. HCI is concerned with how users interact with the technology, understand their needs, and create user-friendly interfaces that help make this interaction easy to understand and pleasing.

Introduction to Human Computer Interaction - What is HCI?

The videos below provide an introduction to HCI, usability rules, and why use them.

Practice task / Hei mahi

Task 1: Rangahau (Research) 

• Using the videos and ngā rauemi record your understanding of at least 5 - 6 Usability Heuristics. Make a copy of the heuristic research - share this with your teacher

Usability Heuristics/ Interface Evaluation

Please read this guide to help with understanding Usability Heuristics.

The usability materials (posters and example template) at the preceding link.

• This video is an example of evaluating a simple interface. We will watch this (and discuss) in class.

• Your practice evaluation is made up of four sections. Here is a summery report template that you can use to help write your practice evaluation. Make a copy of it on your Google Drive and share it with your teacher.

Assessment / Aromatawai

This external is a Digital Technologies (DT) common assessment tasks (CATs) and is completed on a computer. This DCAT asks you to respond to a series of prompts or questions that are from the achievement standards. 

You should aim to write between 800 and 1500 words in total.

This standard involves you applying knowledge of usability heuristics to analyse a chosen interface as it relates to it performing a particular task. There is a video of someone using an interface of a website which you will use to answer the questions. You will not be able to access the websites independently during the exam.

Preparing for the digital assessment

Additional assessment instructions:

During the assessment session, all your work is entered via a computer with no access to the school network. You are allowed to include screenshots that were shared with your teacher prior to the assessment. This is a closed book assessment so no physical copies, online course materials, or any form of notes are to be used for completing this assessment. Your assessment must be saved and submitted to NZQA in a .pdf format